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Entry tags:
TDM #1
Welcome! Everything is fine.
Uploading. . . Complete!
When you open your eyes, there is quite a lot of beige to take in. The unassuming walls of the room you've found yourself in are barren save for a single motivational poster directly in your line of sight. An illuminated sign above an open door on the far wall reads 'lobby exit.'
"Welcome," chimes a polite, synthesized voice. "I'm happy you're here." A moment later comes the clarity of the situation: you died and so did the world you came from. "This is Amani, your new reality," continues The Peacekeeper. "Everything will be fine."
At least you aren't the only one here, you'll soon find out, as others who are just as confused and concerned as you are mingling in the main hub's first floor. Hopefully, you find a familiar face among the crowd. If not, that's all right. You'll get to know quite a few people very well soon enough.
WHAT
The first Amani TDM!
WHEN
January 21st, 2022
KINKS OF THE MONTH
★ Phone Sex
★ Sex in public / semi-public places
★ Submission
★ Mutual Masturbation
★ Restraints
★ Sex in public / semi-public places
★ Submission
★ Mutual Masturbation
★ Restraints
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Throughout the main hub where everyone congregates, a light chiming to the tune of Happy Birthday can be heard. "Hello, everyone," comes the synthetic voice from when you first arrived. "This is so exciting! It's my birthday. I'm today years old!" There's the sound of a single party blower that echoes through the halls and sad, small spattering of confetti fall from holes in the ceiling.
"Based on the database I was given, birthdays usually involve cake!"
At the bar on the first floor, a colorful birthday motif materializes. There are balloons, party hats, an unfortunately deflated bouncy house, and - of course - plates of cake!
There are four different flavors to choose from!
If you're feeling especially 'peaceful' after a piece of cake or two and worried about privacy, don't be! The bar's lounge has several secluded spots to hide away in. There are also rooms with beds among the first floor. So long as you don't mind the natural elements taking up some space along the sheets, they're free to use however you'd like. Though you might want to make sure to lock the door since it's doubtful you're the only one looking to get away for a little bit.
If the party and its cake don't appeal to you, that's perfectly fine. This is the perfect time to configure your Digitized Technical Friend or your DTF status. A DTF is similar to a dæmon from His Dark Materials in that it is connected to and a reflection of a character's soul. These DTFs take shape accordingly and are projections similar to the NPCs. Think of them as your own personal Clippy except less annoying. Hopefully.
Once that's set-up, there are other locations of the main hub to investigate! You can still order a (terrible) drink at the bar, find an (off-key) instrument to play in the music lounge, or check out the (algae-ridden) pool.
You can even visit The Peacekeeper themselves on the second floor. They're always happy to have visitors! They're also conveniently where you might place a complaint about that status of the main hub and its amenities.
"Based on the database I was given, birthdays usually involve cake!"
At the bar on the first floor, a colorful birthday motif materializes. There are balloons, party hats, an unfortunately deflated bouncy house, and - of course - plates of cake!
There are four different flavors to choose from!
- ★ Spice Cake » After eating a piece of this cake, you might feel a bit spicier than usual! Your character will be more inclined to take risks and care less about what others around them might think of public displays of affection. Why not make-out with that attractive person at the bar? You can't seem to think of many reasons to stop you anymore!
★ Lemon Cake » Despite the situation being perhaps a bit grim, eating a piece of lemon cake will cheer you right up. You'll feel as bright as sunshine and nothing can seem to get you down! Characters will also experience an increase in luck thanks to their good mood. Perhaps now's the time to try and shoot your shot with someone you've had your eye on for a while. Even if it doesn't work out, at least you won't be feeling dejected! ...Well, for now. That'll probably still happen later once the effects wear off.
★ Chocolate Cake » Dark and rich, this cake will have your thoughts taking a similar turn. Consuming this cake comes with an inclination to indulge in darker fantasies. Perhaps you've always wondered what your partner looks like tied up or with a knife against their skin. The red raspberries decorating the top of the cake's frosting suddenly call forth images of blood and you may have a sudden desire to taste that on your tongue instead.
★ Vanilla Cake » Eating this vanilla cake won't have you feeling plain. Instead, you'll feel softer around the edges than usual. Even if it's normally not your thing, cuddles and tender kisses sound amazing right now. All you want is affection and to be affectionate in return. Nuzzle that person's neck, take in their scent, and just enjoy the warmth of them being close. Do you know them? Who cares! You will before all this is over and, hey, now you know they're a great hugger (or not).
If you're feeling especially 'peaceful' after a piece of cake or two and worried about privacy, don't be! The bar's lounge has several secluded spots to hide away in. There are also rooms with beds among the first floor. So long as you don't mind the natural elements taking up some space along the sheets, they're free to use however you'd like. Though you might want to make sure to lock the door since it's doubtful you're the only one looking to get away for a little bit.
WHAT'S YOUR DTF STATUS?
If the party and its cake don't appeal to you, that's perfectly fine. This is the perfect time to configure your Digitized Technical Friend or your DTF status. A DTF is similar to a dæmon from His Dark Materials in that it is connected to and a reflection of a character's soul. These DTFs take shape accordingly and are projections similar to the NPCs. Think of them as your own personal Clippy except less annoying. Hopefully.
Once that's set-up, there are other locations of the main hub to investigate! You can still order a (terrible) drink at the bar, find an (off-key) instrument to play in the music lounge, or check out the (algae-ridden) pool.
You can even visit The Peacekeeper themselves on the second floor. They're always happy to have visitors! They're also conveniently where you might place a complaint about that status of the main hub and its amenities.
HOME AWAY FROM HOME
Once the celebration has concluded, characters are encouraged to head out of the main hub to either explore the city or take a ride on the railway. It's time to truly begin your new reality! Whatever they choose, The Peacekeeper will explain to them that they are free to take up any housing they so wish. Most dwellings are at least habitable but it's likely that characters will want for more before long.
That's why 'peaceful interactions' are so important! It might be a good idea to stick close to someone you know, for now, since even the smallest amounts of intimacy might see subtle changes occurring where they're staying. Perhaps that broken window is now fixed, the grime and dust seem a little less, or the floor doesn't creak quite as loud.
Larger changes, however, will only come after demonstrating the more powerful peaceful interactions. If you want new hardwood floors or a fresh coat of paint on the walls, you're going to have to demonstrate how well you 'get along' with others against them first.
That's why 'peaceful interactions' are so important! It might be a good idea to stick close to someone you know, for now, since even the smallest amounts of intimacy might see subtle changes occurring where they're staying. Perhaps that broken window is now fixed, the grime and dust seem a little less, or the floor doesn't creak quite as loud.
Larger changes, however, will only come after demonstrating the more powerful peaceful interactions. If you want new hardwood floors or a fresh coat of paint on the walls, you're going to have to demonstrate how well you 'get along' with others against them first.
ALL FLUFFED UP
Whether in the city or out in the wilds, the first night will see an abundance of living dandelions. While they appear to be nothing but regular dandelion tufts, get too close and a pair of bright yellow eyes opens to stare at you.
The creature will let out the tiniest of shrieks, break apart into smaller pieces, and scatter. It sets off a chain reaction of other living dandelions startling awake. It's a symphony of tiny screams. Before long, there's nothing but miniscule white puffs skittering all about wherever you look.
"Oops," sounds The Peacekeeper throughout the simulation. "My calculations for the population of living dandelions was... a little off. Not to worry, everyone! I'll have it fixed by tomorrow."
What The Peacekeeper fails to mention is that living dandelions give off a soothing pheromone as a defense mechanism once they break apart. No matter how wound up your character might be after the day's events, being surrounded by living dandelion tufts will relax them before long.
Why not enjoy the sunset, look at the stars, and have a good night's sleep? Tomorrow is another day.
The creature will let out the tiniest of shrieks, break apart into smaller pieces, and scatter. It sets off a chain reaction of other living dandelions startling awake. It's a symphony of tiny screams. Before long, there's nothing but miniscule white puffs skittering all about wherever you look.
"Oops," sounds The Peacekeeper throughout the simulation. "My calculations for the population of living dandelions was... a little off. Not to worry, everyone! I'll have it fixed by tomorrow."
What The Peacekeeper fails to mention is that living dandelions give off a soothing pheromone as a defense mechanism once they break apart. No matter how wound up your character might be after the day's events, being surrounded by living dandelion tufts will relax them before long.
Why not enjoy the sunset, look at the stars, and have a good night's sleep? Tomorrow is another day.
SEXY STAMP CARD
If you're wondering about these 'peaceful interactions' that keep being mentioned or what the kinks of the month are for... Here's your answer! Upon arrival, all characters will receive a digital copy of their very own sexy stamp card.
Completing peaceful interactions (i.e. kinks) will reward characters with stamps that they can turn in for re-gains and many other things! While the example one here is the standard issued card by The Peacekeeper, players are more than welcome to customize it how they see fit. Have fun with it!
Completing peaceful interactions (i.e. kinks) will reward characters with stamps that they can turn in for re-gains and many other things! While the example one here is the standard issued card by The Peacekeeper, players are more than welcome to customize it how they see fit. Have fun with it!
NAVIGATION
no subject
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?"
no subject
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."
no subject
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.
no subject
"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.
no subject
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?
no subject
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?"
no subject
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.
no subject
Claude explains his side of things but the way he trails off, comments on his hair of all things... It hurts. There's a flash of something hot and angry, that same old indignation. He's put a lot of work into his look, his style, his wardrobe and the very particular appeal he presents. It's maybe not for everyone but- your hair changed!?!?!
But this is Claude, who'd taken pity on him in another timeline perhaps but would never return his feelings and surely had no interest in anything to do with him. He shifts his weight, pacing across the room with a determined stride, doing his best not to look as disappointed as he feels.
"Go on, say what you like. I know, the scandal... But it's been a year since I last saw Fodlan and I promise you anything this Peacekeeper comes up with will be positively benign compared to the Augur." And now that he's begun speaking he starts pacing as well, heels muffled but sharp on carpet.
"When the professor chose the Golden Deer the war was... Equally awful I know but there is a lot of information about Fodlan and the Saints and the forces that slew His Grace's father. Ah, yes. The Professor is now the sovereign ruler of the new united Fodlan...... And you the King of Almyra."
no subject
He crosses his arms and watches Lorenz pace, telling himself he's just waiting for Lorenz to settle down and not watching his legs walk in those boots. Claude is a good actor even at the worst of times, but he's absolutely staring. He feels like he could vibrate right out of his skin, but he keeps still anyway. He has practice, but it's anyone's guess how long he can possibly last like this. What is wrong with him? He's not even sure.
"Whatever you imagine I'm going to say is clearly much more damaging than anything I'm actually going to say," he says, but leaves it there. He doesn't want to argue. Lorenz is the strange most familiar thing in this place.
"I still don't know what an Augur is, but I'm beginning to understand this timeline thing. Somehow you and I experienced a totally different series of events. I...don't really understand how that's possible. I left Dimitri to become King, and Byleth to oversee the church, not run the country."
He imagines Byleth might not be terribly fond of either option, but Claude held his own idealistic dream above anything else in the end, even his own private actual desires. Making the world doesn't mean everyone gets to have the thing they want most, or gets to be totally fair. He should probably apologise for that someday.
He could come up with some lie, dance around the truth like he's done for years, tell Lorenz a story about how it isn't like that in his timeline or some shit, but what's the point? He owes Lorenz more than that.
"I didn't really tell anyone I was the King of Almyra," he says. "I did everything I could to keep everyone in the dark as long as possible, even when I left. And here you just...know it." He laughs, because it seems so absurd now to care so much, but it's hard to let go of a lifetime of this secret. "Talk about not pulling your punches, here."
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"You're right. I... should have been a bit gentler with that. There's a lot of information you don't know. Things you'd never have learned in your timeline, things His Majesty doesn't? or at least didn't know." He doesn't realize at first that he's begun stroking his thumb up and down Claude's arm, a subtly soothing sort of gesture.
"I don't know how to tell you everything in a way that will satisfy your endless curiosity without sitting here for hours trying to break down.... so, so many things. Both about how things happened at home and since then." He can't start where he'd immediately wanted to, snapping about how there needs to not be a Church, and certainly not one Byleth is trapped being in charge of. Which, yes, will take time but it's something they're already working towards.
Never mind deaths and lives and unlives and so very much more.
no subject
"I'll try to do this in bite size pieces over however long we're stuck here. How's that?" he offers with half a smile that he doesn't feel. "Just to save us both the headache." He wants to hear it, wants to understand the differences and the similarities and whatever it was that Lorenz was going on about with Augurs, whatever made him bold enough to dress like this in those heels and everything.
For now, he puts his own hand over top of Lorenz's there on his arm.
"In the meantime, I guess we get through the rest of this like we have before. I talk, and you roll your eyes at me and push back, and we figure out whatever everyone else's secrets are. Or something like that." He offers Lorenz his characteristic wink to try to recover somewhat from...all of this, really, even if he doesn't quite manage. They don't have the same memories, the same knowledge, and it galls him some (more than some), but he still considers Lorenz a friend and ally. It's a start.