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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
Dedue Molinaro | FE:3H
[Dedue has never been particularly comfortable in groups, even when he generally knows most of the people there. He is not comfortable now, when he has just been informed that everything that he has ever known and loved has been turned to ash-- again-- and he has yet to see a friendly face. He may not trust this 'Peacekeeper', but he can't deny that the evidence that it's presented is... compelling.]
[He does not touch the cakes that have been provided. Dedue doesn't trust anything in this place yet, and it seems imprudent to go around eating strange food that an unknown entity left out, in light of all that.]
[Instead, he spends his time searching for anyone he recognizes, moving through the crowd as only a nearly seven foot tall brick shithouse can.]
fluff
[Is it really surprising that, on the first day here, Dedue found a field full of flowers?]
[Dandelions aren't exactly first among his favorites, but there's a certain charm to them. Though they're commonly regarded as nothing more than a weed, their resilience is admirable, and they're good to eat besides. These ones have already gone to seed, as evidence by all the puffballs, but the leaves and roots will still be good eating, and none of them are really in any position to turn their noses up at edible plants when there's no other ways to procure food than foraging.]
[Dedue kneels down to find which plants still have tender stalks and leaves when one of them... opens tiny eyes and shrieks at him. The air is soon filled with puffy seed heads and apparently enough pheromone to take down a horse-- or one brick shithouse sized man.]
[Don't mind him. This just seemed like a good time to lay down.]
for perfectteatime - share a meal
[The Professor has been extremely averse to the idea of splitting up, which is understandable in their current situation. And with Byleth's... unusual behavior and less than ideal body condition, Dedue would be hesitant to leave him on his own regardless. He seems very much like a man in need of someone to take care of him, though how he's come to be in such poor health is a concerning mystery. But, for now, his primary concerns are twofold-- food and shelter. And when it comes to finding shelter for the night, Dedue searches for an appropriate place with the Professor and intends to stay with him, at least for as long as he's needed.]
[With a suitable location acquired-- for a certain definition of suitable, anyway-- and cleaned up as much as it could be, the next pertinent thing is to find food. Foraging seems to be their only option at this point, though there's not much he can do to cook or prepare it once they do gather something. Dedue arrived with nothing more than the clothes on his back-- no knife to hunt with, no flint and steel to make a fire, no cooking pot. If they could manage a fire, he could perhaps make skewers, but it's hardly going to be good fare. Certainly not up to his usual standards, even with regards to campfire cooking.]
It would be wise for us to find something to eat, Professor. [Before it gets too dark, anyway. Once night falls, they will have few ways to see well enough to gather anything.] Would you like to accompany me?
happy birthday
Hey, wait.
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Felix. [Also not his favorite person, but not his least favorite, either. They had come to something of an understanding during the war, he and Felix. Perhaps they'll never be close, but they can manage civility and cooperation. And, right now, he's the only familiar face that Dedue's seen. He'll take it-- Felix is a good ally to have.]
Have you seen any of the others? His Majesty?
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[Felix wonders whether Dedue has seen what he saw - the destruction of their world, the ruination of everything they know. He supposes such a thing wouldn't even be new to someone from Duscur...but he imagines that the news of Dimitri's presence here will matter more to Dedue than much of anything else. For once, Felix can't blame him.]
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[But His Majesty is here, and the Professor. That is enough for hope.]
None but you. I am relieved to know that His Majesty and the Professor are with us as well.
[If His Majesty had never arrived, or Byleth...]
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Keep searching. We'll find the others if they're here. But we need somewhere to gather.
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I shall do so.
[Really, it's probably best that he remains here simply because of the fact that he's so much easier to pick out in a crowd than someone like Felix. Anyone who does wander in will be able to find him immediately. He's basically a man-shaped landmark.]
I am given to understand that there are lodgings available. If you are able to secure some of them, that may be the most suitable place to bring any of our friends who arrive.
[It would be in their best interests to remain together, after all, especially until they're able to establish themselves in this strange place.]
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[Having something practical and useful to do helps. Easier not to think too hard about any of this if he's busy searching for shelter, maybe hunting for real food.]
Oh. And if you find Dimitri, don't let him keep eating that disgusting cake. The professor says there might be something wrong with it.
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[This is a simple enough task-- find whoever has arrived here that they know, and deliver them safely to whatever shelter they are able to acquire. Any Blue Lions, preferably, though Dedue would hardly turn away Golden Deer like Claude or Hilda, or those that Byleth had recruited from other houses.]
[Then Felix informs him about what Dimitri's been up to, and there's a moment where Dedue gazes into the middle distance with a thousand-yard stare that would have impressed even the most hardened veteran. Dimitri has been... eating things, again. Inadvisable things. Dedue might have counted his blessings that he's putting baked goods into his mouth instead of questionable plant matter, but at the revelation that it could be adulterated baked goods, such hope dissipates.]
I will try to locate His Majesty as quickly as possible. [To prevent any further mouth-based disasters.] Did the Professor specify as to how these goods might be tainted?
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Happy Birthday (I'm sorry about them.)
[Although Raine sees him looking around - that searching demeanor is all too obvious - they can't help the urge to approach him, well on their way to being affected by both the spice and vanilla cake slices they ingested.
[They don't get in his way so much as sidle up beside him, gaze flicking politely up (and up) towards his face.]
Looking for someone, darling?
[It's an all-too casual greeting, well, for them. And it comes out way too fast for them to consider the words at all, or how others might take it. Normally, they'd read the mood a bit better, or even leave the stranger to his devices.
[Instead, nope. Poor Dedue doesn't get that consideration this time.
[They make a show of idly fluffing their long skirt, pointed ears perking in attention.]
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[How odd.]
I am. [The... pet name is a bit strange, but some people have odd habits. Dedue finds no reason to cause social friction by correcting them.] Have you seen a well-built man with blond hair and a patch over his eye, standing roughly this tall?
[He indicates Dimitri's approximate height with his hand; perhaps six inches shorter than Dedue himself, so a bit over six feet.]
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[Raine smiles sheepishly.]
Though, I was hoping you could keep me company for a few moments, all the same. I don't mean to intrude.
[Something feels a little off about themself, though. It's hard to put their finger on.... Maybe it's just a side-effect of physically dying?]
I've just never seen anyone as tall as you before. To say nothing about your appealing looks. I'm surprised that you don't have a whole gaggle of people on your arm.
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[Perhaps they see him as potentially good protection, and is thus trying to flatter him so that he'll be more amenable to it. That's at least a reasonable explanation, though Dedue doesn't see much danger here other than the apparently questionable food.]
If you wish to stay with me for a while, I do not mind. [But only a while. He does, after all, have a duty to whatever friends happen to arrive.] And though I do not know if you intend to mock or flatter me, neither are necessary.
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[Unable to resist the urge, Raine reaches out to gently take his much larger hand in theirs. It feels different than their usual brand of impulsivity, and so there's only one difference.]
I'm simply telling it as I see it. Does it need to be flattery for it to be true?
[Despite their slight build, their grip is firm, though remains gentle to allow him to pull away.]
Ah, normally-- I don't bother people who seem busy. It would be rude of me.
The cake I had-- I believe it was laced with something. This impulsive behavior is a little different and extreme, even for me.... I hope you haven't had any of it.
But I must assure you that I am enough in my right mind that I absolutely would approach and tell you these things even if I were completely sober.
It is the most unique sensation, though -- like I want to not only cuddle you until the end of time but also climb you like a tree. And "climb" in more ways than one.
[Their cheeks burn at the frank admission. This is... definitely not going to, well, plan.]
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[Then they mention the cake. Dedue has... heard about this from several people by now, warnings to avoid eating the food. That it's been adulterated.]
If you have eaten anything here, you have been drugged. [He can, at least, confirm that for them. They should be fully aware of the situation.]
[Whatever has been put into those cakes, it clearly has a significant effect on inhibition. Though they claim that they would say such things to him regardless of sobriety, Dedue finds it hard to believe that anyone would be so... forward, and certainly not towards him. While Dedue hardly has the education of, say, Sylvain, he is aware of what this person means when they say they'd want to climb him like a tree. Thankfully, his iron-clad composure ensures that his shock and embarrassment don't show on his face.]
Did you arrive here with anyone, or have you found anyone that you know? [If this person is inebriated, than he should return them to someone that they know and trust, so that they aren't taken advantage of in a vulnerable state.]
1/2
[There's also no mistaking their canine teeth as anything short of an animal's fangs.]
I have no one at all. My mother is-- was-- the only person alive in my life at the moment. I certainly would not want to see her in my current state. Anyone else I ever knew has been dead for centuries now.
And I don't want to think about her while I'm with you like this.
2/2
[They stare at him after that, tail thumping against his arm while they make sure to adjust their grip without hurting him.]
There, that's better.
[Their voice rings slightly with something like magic to project those words, even as they openly meow.]
I think that should satisfy the feeling of climbing for me, rather than anything you might not like. Hopefully.
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[And they can still talk. It's some kind of magic-- he can tell that from how he hears both the meow and the words at the same time-- though Dedue doesn't understand how it works.]
I have no objections to this. [It's strange, but fine. Enjoy being tall?] How are you capable of this kind of shapeshifting? I understand some of the basics of magic, but I have never met anyone who could do such a thing.
[Technically, he has, but he's unaware of the fact that they could do it, so same difference.]
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I literally went, "Yesss, pet the kitty!" when I saw this. <3
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fluff
Because Lorenz sees Dedue sprawled out in the dandelions and smiles wickedly. He sashays over, in a lacy sort of number that is really more suited to the bedroom than public but it covers all the important bits. Ideally before Dedue even notices he's there, what with the lovely floaty feeling that accompanies the flowers here, he's moving to stand beside the larger man, one foot on either side of his hips before he sinks down to his knees straddling Dedue's waist.]
Well... at least I have one familiar face.
[Sighed softly as Lorenz sprawls out over Dedue, head pillowed on his broad chest, one arm draped over his shoulder to toy with the end of his ponytail.]
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Lorenz?
[While they were on the same side during the war, Dedue can't say that he knew Lorenz particularly well. During their days in the monastery as schoolmates, he had always been far more interested in pursuing some ideal noble wife than in acquainting himself with a Dusci vassal, and the war had been... the war. Really, Dedue knows little about him other than the fact that he likes roses, tea, and horses. Good friends with Ferdinand, perhaps.]
I did not realize that you had arrived. [He hadn't seen him back at the gathering. Perhaps he's very new, only just arrived quite literally.] Are you well?
[Because... well, he's being very friendly. Much more so than their previous relationship would merit. And he's dressed quite outside of his usual fashion-- or at least far less modestly, if in the same vein of dandiness. Dedue isn't entirely certain where to put his hands.]
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[A soft hum in response to his name but then he continues speaking (oh and it's wonderful to be laid out on his chest while he talks, feeling the rumble of his voice beneath his cheek) and Lorenz realizes he's made a miscalculation.
But Dedue is so comfortable.]
You came here from Fódlan, didn't you? [ A disappointed sigh. ] My apologies, it seems our timelines are quite different. I should have checked but-
[Lorenz stretches a little, nuzzles against Dedue's chest.] I wanted to lay down and you're always so lovely to cuddle on.
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[Is this the place that Lorenz had come from, as well? He's far less perturbed by it than the Professor, if that's the case. And what he says about cuddling sounds like it's from experience, not a hypothetical.]
Lorenz. Before you arrived here, were you on an island?
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And how did you guess that?
[Had he missed something? He's rather convinced the "Peacekeeper" is simply a program run by the Augur. He's been in simulations just as complex before, even if he doesn't like them.]
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Byleth may have come from the same place. He mentioned being on an island before he arrived here.
[Dedue frowns. The expression makes the lines between his eyebrows more prominent.]
The way he spoke of it was unsettling. He told me that it was not uncommon for people to be drugged at large gatherings, and then participate in things that they may otherwise not have.
[That's the most tasteful way he can think to describe a very distasteful thing.]
Please be careful, even here. I do not trust any food that I have not gathered myself.
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[Still, Lorenz nods his agreement about the food though he does, unfortunately, have bad news for you Dedue.]
I'm not entirely certain this place isn't still the island, merely one of the Augur's simulations. Either way, though, gathering your own food doesn't necessarily mean anything when there are strange plants and fruits that even the scent of them, never mind the taste, would drive one mad with need in an instant.
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