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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
Claude von Riegan | Fire Emblem 3 Houses (Azure Moon)
HOME AWAY FROM HOME
WILDCARD
oh *no* AM!Clod
But for Claude to pull out a line before he's even realized it's him is.... well proof enough not to trust the food here either. Not that it stops him from snatching Claude's wrist to keep him from withdrawing once he does realize who he's speaking to. He locks eyes with the other man, cocks a brow, and then leans in to take the offered berry from his fingertips. He hums a soft contented sound, makes a point of licking his lips and manages to keep the wicked grin that wants to form to a smug sort of smirk.
"Well, I'll admit this is certainly an improvement."
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Lorenz's hand is suddenly around his wrist, and it makes him think of something tighter, harder to break away from, and he's surprised at the vividness of the imagery there in his mind all of a sudden. That's unexpected. But then, so is Lorenz, looking like he does. There's so much more going on here than he can follow just now. That galls him something fierce, but he'll catch up. He always does.
For now, his eyes settle on Lorenz's mouth, watching him lean in to take the berry. Claude fixes a grin onto his own face to hide his wide-eyed surprise.
"You look like you have a much better idea about what kind of party this is supposed to be than I did," he says.
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"I suppose that answers the question of whether or not this Peacekeeper rescued you from the Augur." As much as he might miss the Claude he'd had before it is always so very much fun watching people from home react to the changes that have come from being away from home for so long.
"Well... I suppose then the question is, what class did the Professor choose?" There's a bit of a sigh in his tone though. Clearly asking this question is a bit exasperating. But then, he's had to ask so many times.
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He doesn't ask what's an Augur, because while he does wonder, he's already lost enough face here, and he'd rather not look like more of an idiot than he does, standing here practically drooling over watching Lorenz Hellman Gloucester eating berries out of his hand. That entire situation hits him again like a pike and he can barely catch his breath. It doesn't show on his face entirely; he's great at hiding his true feelings, but damn.
"You're just hitting me with all kinds of weird things in this nightmare, huh?" he asks. "They picked the Blue Lions, though why anyone would pick Dimitri over yours truly, I've honestly never known. I got over that insult a long time ago though." He affects a sort of pained expression over the whole thing. That is an easy thing to do, pretend to care more than he does. It is what it is, and anyway, Byleth hadn't known any of them. It had been a strange whirlwind of events, start to finish, but especially back at the beginning when the mercenary had become a teacher.
"I'm feeling generous, so any other weird shit you'd like to hit me with before it's my turn?"
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Surely Claude can explain with his usual flippant attitude while Lorenz brings the other man's hand up so he can close his lips over that smear. Still paying attention, certainly, but there's a flicker of something hot beneath the amusement in his gaze while he sucks the chocolate off of Claude's skin. A contented sort of hum as Lorenz gradually releases him, a hint of teeth catching at his skin.
"You should be more careful." With where he gets frosting, clearly.
"It's a pity you're from that timeline, though. You're really quite stunning when you take charge of things. The Alliance... Fódlan..." A coy little glance away, biting the inside of his lip to stop himself from grinning. "Almyra."
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He laughs and doesn't believe it, which means Lorenz certainly won't, and finally pulls his hand away.
"That was a bit much, wasn't it?" he remarks, but here he is, not at all complaining about it.
He's about to ask just what Lorenz means by timeline, but he doesn't get the chance. He's known he'd grow up to be a king (if he lived that long; there's always been a little bit of a question if he'll make it), but those other things? That's a lot to…wait, did Lorenz say Almyra?!
"Sounds like you've been listening to some strange rumours, Lorenz," he says, but he's already undoubtedly given this away. The fact that he's Almyran isn't all that hard to figure out, and he's never been that good at hiding it, but this is too close to home, and he isn't ready. Claude's a good liar, but confronting him with the absolute truth isn't something anyone's ever just done.
"We shouldn't do this here," he says, but he's not really sure what this is.
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"You have no idea..." A smirk but then Lorenz is going to reach over to pluck the last berry off Claude's plate, popping it into his mouth and then offering the other man his arm. "Well, if you'd prefer to talk elsewhere then, by all means-"
He's not so eager to push that he'll insist on discussing things in public mind you.
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He takes Lorenz's arm, telling himself it's just talk and knowing better than anyone what just talk can do to a person.
"There were some rooms that looked pretty private up that way, I think," he says, gesturing off to the hallway. He saw some people disappear there earlier, might have leaned over to watch where some of those doors led. He can guess what kind of rooms they are, but bedrooms are probably private enough, right?
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Once they duck into one of the rooms Lorenz offers him a sheepish smile. "I didn't think I'd throw you off that badly." Soft and apologetic.
Not that anything about his attire makes it seem like he's not just... Like That these days. Given how much is visible through his sheer top and the lace cutouts in the painted on leggings.
"Has the war not drawn to a close yet? Or... Have we simply not spoken in so long?"
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Lorenz's question, his remark about timelines, that business where he insinuated knowing why Claude left for Alymra...sure, plenty of people had figured out some of it, but Claude had kept a tight rein on who knew the whole truth for a reason. It wasn't personal.
"The war ended, but not long ago. Dimitri became king. Pretty sure Teach is running the church, though I don't know if that's the right choice or not. The whole church thing isn't really my place to get involved in." He says that, but maybe it should have been more his place. Even Claude can't do everything, though, and it's probably better this way. He doesn't agree with the church's rule in general. There are still things left unsaid and undone.
"Lorenz, what happened to you? You look..."
Beautiful, he thinks. That's not something he's about to say in a bedroom when his mind is spinning on two different levels, trying to sort out whatever timelines means and also whatever that imagery about hands wrapped around wrists was at the same time.
"Your hair changed," he says instead.
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Maybe a better person would feel bad about that, about casting off what should've felt like home like a set of shackles, but hey. Orpheus never claimed to be anything resembling a good person.
In any case, there's a handsome stranger offering him something he doesn't recognize but that he can intuit is probably food, and that's proving a very effective distraction from squinting incredulously at a nearby potted plant. ]
Hmm? Well, how could I refuse such a generous offer? [ Orpheus settles down in the seat next to him, flashing him a sly and equally suggestive grin, and picks up one of the little red things, examining it. It's beautiful, shiny and just barely translucent and irregular in ways he's not used to seeing, and as much as he'd like to just look at it he has to ask - ] All right, at risk of making a fool of myself - this is something you're supposed to eat, right?
[ He would look a lot dumber if he tried to eat something inedible in front of this man immediately, by his figuring. ]
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But this guy? He seems out of place in a way Claude can't put a finger on, and that's fascinating. He's reminded a little bit of Byleth, from years ago, back when Byleth had seemed totally out of place, set apart from the rest of them in a way that no one could entirely articulate. Claude's never been able to keep himself from pushing at things that are fascinating like that, for better or for worse.
He raises an eyebrow at the question. ]
Got it in one. It's a berry. Perfectly edible as far as I know.
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Now, though, with a real berry sitting in his hand, he regrets not paying more attention. It's clearly - natural, not something made in a factory or grown in a lab to the exacting standards of the few fruits still produced as luxury items in The City, and he's almost too in awe of it to eat it. Almost. Curiosity and hedonistic desire to experience new and strange sensations eventually win out, and he puts it in his mouth, biting down carefully.
He nearly falls out of his seat in surprise when it bursts, sweet and sour and missing the chemical tang that most all of the food he'd ever eaten in his life carried. Clapping a hand to his mouth in shock, he lets it wash over his tongue, eyes fluttering closed as he savors it, and when he finally swallows he says, quiet and awe-struck, ]
It's incredible. I've never tasted anything like it.
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He wonders what else this man doesn't know, and that is also fascinating. ]
Well, lucky you. I have two more.
[ Claude slides the plate along the bar towards Orpheus. He hadn't really been planning on sharing them all, but that whole display was too good to ignore, so why not? ]
Might as well see if you like 'em as much on round two, huh? Shame you didn't have berries where you're from. Guess I took these things for granted.
spicy cake, ofc
May as well take the opportunity to explore around.
"I haven't gotten the chance to take a look around myself, so why not? Company would be nice."
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For now, Tooru agrees to some exploration, so at least neither of them has to go alone. Claude's grin widens and he gestures off towards a hallway.
"Perfect. Might as well just pick a direction and get started, right? Not like there's anything better to do, since we're apparently stuck here for the time being."
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"I couldn't agree more, I'll follow your lead since you suggested it. Oikawa Tooru, a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
A brief pause, habits of his homeland never dying despite having lived in a country that did names different for the last almost five years.
"Surname last, given first. Feel free to call me Oikawa, or Tooru, or whatever you'd like."
happy birthday A~
Sylvainpeople he knows, and most of the people are in that bar. Including, last he checked, Byleth, Dedue, and Dimitri.So he has little choice but to hover around the edges of the room, ignoring anyone who tries to talk to him and keeping anyone from coming too close with a mean resting murder face. He does not want a repeat of what happened with that half-dragon guy, thanks!
Finally, he does spot someone else he recognizes, although it's not someone he expected to see. Ever again, really, considering he dumped the whole Alliance into their laps and flew off to who knows where. Still, a familiar face is a familiar face, and they were allies last they saw each other. He walks over and opens his mouth to say something, but Claude beats him to it. Because of course he does.
Felix takes one look at the plate in Claude's hand and groans, rubbing his face. "I don't like sweets, and you're barking up the wrong tree, anyway, Claude. Tell me you didn't eat all that cake yourself."
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Felix looks about ready to kill a man, but that's just kind of how Felix looks at parties. At least some things remain familiar. He could almost laugh at the predictability of it.
"I know you don't," he says. "But it's just a berry. Actually, I'd say these ones are probably more tart than sweet, so that should be right up your alley. Anyway, the best way to figure out what's going on in a strange place is to try to blend in. Cake isn't my favourite either, but you'd be surprised what you learn when you're playing nice. Sure you won't reconsider?" Even Claude isn't entirely sure if he's just teasing Felix to tease or actually imparting a tiny bit of his own strategic wisdom here. Felix isn't like him, doesn't have that drive to learn all he can, but whatever.
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Not that it's any of his business if Claude wants to go around eating cake and being promiscuous, or whatever. But he figures the man deserves a warning, at least, in case he somehow hasn't noticed anything odd yet.
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"Why wouldn't I give it to you? You look like you always do: like you could relax a little. Like I said, if you blend in, you'll learn more." He shrugs one shoulder, still exaggerated. "But if you're too worried you can't handle it, then I'll just give it to someone else."
He catches the thing about the cake being laced. Damnit. He should have probably guessed that, the way other people were acting. He knew better anyway. It's too late, of course, and whatever's going to happen is going to happen.
"Think you're a bit late for that warning anyway. What's it laced with?" Poison would have kicked in by now, especially in a whole piece of cake. Besides, no one else had died (he'd waited to see that before trying it). The way he feels, the way his mind twists around, he has an idea forming, but...that can't be right. This so-called Peacekeeper wants people to get along with each other – ah. Maybe they got the wrong idea of what that entails.
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And what the hell is Claude grinning about? There is nothing about this situation that warrants looking that happy about any of it.
Felix's brow furrows, annoyed. On the one hand, he's bristling over Claude implying there's something he can't handle. On the other, how is eating a piece of fruit any kind of challenge? "Handle what? What are you talking about?"
Belatedly, he realizes it was stupid to expect that Claude of all people would just take him at his word without asking awkward questions. He rests a hand on his hip and scoffs. "If I'm too late, then you'll find out soon enough anyway."
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In answer to Felix's other question, Claude just shrugs. "Can't handle whatever it is this cake and fruit combo is gonna do, obviously," he says with a wink. It's clear it's going to do something; he's just not entirely sure what that something is. The nature of it is probably more than he bargained for, and he shouldn't tempt fate with Felix of all people. Felix's attitude isn't always the easiest to handle, though Claude can take Felix's acid tongue just fine.
He's not even entirely sure why he's baiting Felix the way he is. He shouldn't care what Felix does or doesn't do here. He likes the swordsman just fine, after all, and he's glad to see him here and well and not somehow trapped in the end of the world (not that he believes the end of the world actually happened). But something in him feels like pushing. This is just where he's apparently decided to start.
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Which is Felix's way of saying Claude has a point, probably.
"Pff. You don't even know what it is you're challenging me to do." He scowls at the berry in Claude's hand as though it's personally offended him, then reaches to snatch it from the man's fingers. "Give me that."
He eats the berry without fanfare, glaring in Claude's general direction as he chews and swallows. Claude isn't displaying any of the...symptoms that Corrin did, so who knows - maybe not all of the cake is spiked. Or maybe a half-dragon had a stronger reaction to it than others would. Besides, it's just one stupid berry. How bad could it be?