Entry tags:
TDM #6
Welcome! Everything is fine.
Uploading. . . Complete!
The Lobby.
- 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 have died and so has 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 on 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.
- If you're one of the unlucky few whose death required a bit more intensive re-coding to maintain stability in the simulation, you'll instead awaken on a bed in the infirmary. Everything is strikingly white save for the occasional string of vines with lavender growing in bursts to help keep people calm. Whether or not it works seems to be on a case-by-case basis.
While there is active medical staff, the voice of The Peacekeeper is also there to explain the situation in a more delicate manner to these individuals. It's already stressful enough having to have gone through such a violent death, after all!
If characters want more questions answered, they'll need to speak to The Peacekeeper directly. But first, it will encourage socialization in the main hub and hopefully, you'll find someone you recognize to make taking things in a little easier.
- Throughout the main hub where everyone congregates, a light chiming echoes through the first floor. "Hello, everyone," comes the synthetic voice from when you first arrived. "Please, watch your step since there a few tremors happening. If you'd like, there is cake and some refreshments."
WHAT
The sixth Amani TDM!
WHEN
July 22nd, 2022
KINKS OF THE MONTH
★ Titfucking / Paizuri
★ Clothed Sex
★ Bukkake
★ Tentacles
★ Sounding
★ Clothed Sex
★ Bukkake
★ Tentacles
★ Sounding
WHAT'S YOUR DTF STATUS?
If the main hub and its features 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 visit the training grounds, music lounge, library, and onsen. Also, feel free to leave an offering for the resident deity of sleep (Hypnos) at his shrine! 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. Even if you do complain, The Peacekeeper will encourage others to set off and find their own place to live out in the simulation.
Granted, the housing market in the afterlife isn't exactly robust. It doesn't help that every place you find has a leaky roof or broken window. No, unfortunately that will need to be fixed the peaceful way. If you'd like more lighting or even cozier clothes, simulation inhabitants are reminded that 'peaceful interactions' are very 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.
SHAKING THINGS UP
"Hello, inhabitants," greets The Peacekeeper. "I apologize for all the tremors lately in the simulation," it starts, just as one rattles through the setting. "I promise I'll be done working soon." They've been occurring for days now but have been nothing more than a subtle rumbling.
Until now.
"Making final geographical adjustments... Please, hold on to something." There is less than a moment's pause before the warning needs to be heeded. A large earthquake suddenly jostles the entire simulation harshly along with a deafening noise to the east; however, the cause will be apparent. Where before there was nothing but plains stretching out infinitely past the simulation's 'barrier,' there is now a large mountain range. It has snow-tipped peaks, plenty of pine trees, and- "After the trial that was Hiromitsu, The Creators decided to allow me the resources to upgrade and add to the simulation! This is only the beginning, actually, but the rest will take a little bit more time. Until then, I hope you don't mind exploring the mines and helping me test some new features."
There is a brief pause where it seems like that might be all. "And I hope that... it makes up a little for me not being there for you during Hiromitsu." The usual chipper, simulated voice sounds just a touch melancholy. Instead of the regular chimes to signify a broadcast ending, there is instead a small click and nothing but silence.
Until now.
"Making final geographical adjustments... Please, hold on to something." There is less than a moment's pause before the warning needs to be heeded. A large earthquake suddenly jostles the entire simulation harshly along with a deafening noise to the east; however, the cause will be apparent. Where before there was nothing but plains stretching out infinitely past the simulation's 'barrier,' there is now a large mountain range. It has snow-tipped peaks, plenty of pine trees, and- "After the trial that was Hiromitsu, The Creators decided to allow me the resources to upgrade and add to the simulation! This is only the beginning, actually, but the rest will take a little bit more time. Until then, I hope you don't mind exploring the mines and helping me test some new features."
There is a brief pause where it seems like that might be all. "And I hope that... it makes up a little for me not being there for you during Hiromitsu." The usual chipper, simulated voice sounds just a touch melancholy. Instead of the regular chimes to signify a broadcast ending, there is instead a small click and nothing but silence.
THIS PLACE ROCKS
For those that do decide to investigate the new addition to the simulation, they'll find a sign above a large cave entrance that reads "Dymuniad Mines." Entering the cave will lead people to a series of underground tunnels akin to a labyrinth with as many metaphorical twists and turns as there are literal. Don't mind the mild tremors that continue as some of the pathways shift and change while The Peacekeeper works. They are now, thankfully, localized to just the mines.
So grab a torch, go for a joy ride in a mine cart, or set out on foot through the deep dark. Either way, here's what inhabitants can expect to find...
Hemimorphite
Population: Common
Biome: Dymuniad Mines
Danger: Mild
This strange, soft-looking rock formation draws people in with a sweet scent similar to cotton candy. The closer someone draws to it, the happier they will become. Should one lick it, they will find that it tastes rather sweet; however, it will leave one with more than a candy aftertaste. It is a psychedelic that will cause hallucinations - both visual and auditory - as well as intense feelings of euphoria.
Honey Calcite
Population: Common
Biome: Dymuniad Mines
Danger: Mild
If feeling one's way along the dark tunnels, don't be surprised if there comes a spot where you suddenly stick. Trying to pull away will only find one even more stuck than before. The only way to pull free is by using heat but too hot and it'll become a sticky, syrupy mess and be a nightmare to get off. The body heat of two people seems to be just right the temperature to free anyone stuck but... make of that what you will!
Iris Agate
Population: Common
Biome: Dymuniad Mines
Danger: None
If you get a little lost in the mines, don't fret! This stone will guide your way when shone under the light correctly. Oh, it won't show you the way out. Rather, it will guide you toward someone you need to talk to. Whatever that may mean! You'll be directed towards them whether you want to actually speak or not.
Miniature Cave Golems
Population: Common
Biome: Dymuniad Mines
Danger: None
Don't be too alarmed if that mossy bundle of rocks starts to move about. Held together and animated by a magic of an unknown origin, these tiny golems 'awaken' when anyone gets close. While golems are usually used for manual labor too large for the average person, it's hard to say what these miniature ones were made for or by who. They are, however, extremely cute and will happily follow or ride along with you through the tunnels.
Rock Slimes
Population: Common
Biome: Dymuniad Mines
Danger: None
If you happen to come across small bites taken out of the Hemimorphite, the source likely isn't far behind. These slimes are immune to the psychedelic effects of the formation but still get the euphoria from it. This results in them making tiny chirps and happy noises that may sound suspiciously like 'woo hoo' or 'yay.' They are friendly and docile but can only survive in the dark, dank conditions of the mines. Trying to remove them is ill-advised.
Zubats
Population: Common
Biome: Dymuniad Mines
Danger: Mild
These creatures make their home in gloomy caves. Atrophied eyes have left this Pokémon blind, so they scan their surroundings via sound waves that they emit from their mouths as they fly. Their skin is so thin that they'll be burned if sunlight hits them. When it gets cold out, they gather together to warm one another's bodies. While they will not attack inhabitants, they may use high-pitched sound waves to confuse and disorient if they feel threatened so they can escape.
So grab a torch, go for a joy ride in a mine cart, or set out on foot through the deep dark. Either way, here's what inhabitants can expect to find...
Hemimorphite
Population: Common
Biome: Dymuniad Mines
Danger: Mild
This strange, soft-looking rock formation draws people in with a sweet scent similar to cotton candy. The closer someone draws to it, the happier they will become. Should one lick it, they will find that it tastes rather sweet; however, it will leave one with more than a candy aftertaste. It is a psychedelic that will cause hallucinations - both visual and auditory - as well as intense feelings of euphoria.
Honey Calcite
Population: Common
Biome: Dymuniad Mines
Danger: Mild
If feeling one's way along the dark tunnels, don't be surprised if there comes a spot where you suddenly stick. Trying to pull away will only find one even more stuck than before. The only way to pull free is by using heat but too hot and it'll become a sticky, syrupy mess and be a nightmare to get off. The body heat of two people seems to be just right the temperature to free anyone stuck but... make of that what you will!
Iris Agate
Population: Common
Biome: Dymuniad Mines
Danger: None
If you get a little lost in the mines, don't fret! This stone will guide your way when shone under the light correctly. Oh, it won't show you the way out. Rather, it will guide you toward someone you need to talk to. Whatever that may mean! You'll be directed towards them whether you want to actually speak or not.
CREEPY CRAWLIES
In addition to the new geology, there is some new fauna to be found. The Peacekeeper is still adding to the mines as far as flora (beyond basic moss, mushrooms, and other fungi). For now, these creatures hopefully help it feel a little more alive.Miniature Cave Golems
Population: Common
Biome: Dymuniad Mines
Danger: None
Don't be too alarmed if that mossy bundle of rocks starts to move about. Held together and animated by a magic of an unknown origin, these tiny golems 'awaken' when anyone gets close. While golems are usually used for manual labor too large for the average person, it's hard to say what these miniature ones were made for or by who. They are, however, extremely cute and will happily follow or ride along with you through the tunnels.
Rock Slimes
Population: Common
Biome: Dymuniad Mines
Danger: None
If you happen to come across small bites taken out of the Hemimorphite, the source likely isn't far behind. These slimes are immune to the psychedelic effects of the formation but still get the euphoria from it. This results in them making tiny chirps and happy noises that may sound suspiciously like 'woo hoo' or 'yay.' They are friendly and docile but can only survive in the dark, dank conditions of the mines. Trying to remove them is ill-advised.
Zubats
Population: Common
Biome: Dymuniad Mines
Danger: Mild
These creatures make their home in gloomy caves. Atrophied eyes have left this Pokémon blind, so they scan their surroundings via sound waves that they emit from their mouths as they fly. Their skin is so thin that they'll be burned if sunlight hits them. When it gets cold out, they gather together to warm one another's bodies. While they will not attack inhabitants, they may use high-pitched sound waves to confuse and disorient if they feel threatened so they can escape.
WHO IS THAT I SEE, STARING BACK AT ME?
Lucky (or unlucky, if you're lost) inhabitants may find their way to the crystal lake. This large, underground pool of crystalline water is lined with large chunks of cubic fluorite and larimar covering the bottom. It holds an ethereal glow although there doesn't seem to be anything out of the ordinary that would cause the shine.
If one goes to the edge of the water, their reflection might not be what they expect. Instead of what it should be, it's instead what the person looking into the water most desires. This could be interpreted in many different ways. Do you look like you'd always dreamed of, is someone next to you, or is it someone else entirely staring back into your eyes? Whatever the case may be, it isn't always easy to be faced with our most secret desires unexpectedly.
If one goes to the edge of the water, their reflection might not be what they expect. Instead of what it should be, it's instead what the person looking into the water most desires. This could be interpreted in many different ways. Do you look like you'd always dreamed of, is someone next to you, or is it someone else entirely staring back into your eyes? Whatever the case may be, it isn't always easy to be faced with our most secret desires unexpectedly.
- » If you choose to look away because you do not want to face what this odd reflection means, the next time you look it will be just you again. Nothing will happen.
» If you choose to accept what the reflection is trying to show you, the reward will be a tiny crystal flask washing up near your feet that holds some of the water for you to take. For what purpose? Who can say.
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!NOTES
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!
★ Due to the shifting tunnels, characters will only find themselves eventually back at the start of the mines rather than anywhere new. ...For now, anyway!
★ The effects of all the influences can, as always, be as heavy or light as you'd like! It can be chalked up to differences in resistance, non-humanity or not, etc. etc.
★ The flora and fauna page will be updated (as well as the locations) as soon as possible to reflect these changes and recent ones! It's also still open for player suggestions! All you need to do now is link your check-in (or player claim) comment to make a submission!
★ Why not check out the ATP/EMP Meme now up? See who others want to try out, enable your friends! Fun all around!
★ Make sure to dunk your questions/feedback in the thread below!
NAVIGATION
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Uhhh yeah, just sticky. It also kinda smells... nice.
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[It's easy to get preoccupied trying to figure out what exactly Shane is trapped by. Knowing that, after all, could be important to knowing how to get free. Still, he's distracted from his musings by the way Shane stares, raising a questioning eyebrow at him.]
Are you sure you're alright? You seem a little out of sorts.
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[Is his outfit really so strange that it would make someone assume he's an entirely different species? Why? He can't say he's ever run into that issue with his cover until now. Have a helpless little shrug as he spreads his hands.]
As is often the case in politics, the clothes make the man.
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[At the very least it's not actively driving him insane anymore. Time to focus on what is ACTUALLY important about this situation.]
So. About the sticky stuff. Any thoughts? [It was getting kind of hard to maintain this position.]
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[Who really cares about technicalities like those when the man is still trapped? Seteth falls quiet as he considers the problem, raising his light higher to consider the stones scattered throughout the tunnel.]
It doesn't seem inherently dangerous, and the distribution seems too random to be useful for any predator large enough to worry about. I would guess that means these are simply unfortunate natural formations. Which would imply.....
[Seteth turns away to scrutinize one of the stones more carefully, muttering to himself. What is the Peacekeeper trying to do here?]
Tranquility? No, what would a rock care for sentiment? Stillness? That's already the case. Quietness hardly seems relevant. Harmony? That..... could be right? It's worth a try.
If you'll pardon being manhandled a bit, both of us pulling together might be what you need.
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Uhh, manhandle away, I guess. Whatever gets me out of here.
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[Seteth sets his lantern down, circling to stand close behind Shane. One warm, calloused hand wraps firmly around his wrist, and he braces himself to take the man's weight if the stone sludge gives way too suddenly.]
Alright. Together, now.
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...Aw man. My high tops.
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We may be able to melt those out. That said, might I ask what possessed you to venture down here empty handed?
[Aaaaaaaand here comes the lecture, barely a minute after he's made sure Shane is safe from his little predicament.]
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[Not everyone believes the Peacekeeper, let alone listens to everything it has to say. And he doesn't recall seeing this man on the network, or in the central hub area. He wasn't here for the Tanabata festival, was he? Of course he would be cavalier about this.
Seteth cuts himself off with a sigh that seems to deflate him, shaking his head and nudging the lantern closer to the trapped shoes with his foot , the better to encourage the stone they're stuck in to start melting.]
.....I'm sorry. For the sake of easing our eventual revival, the Peacekeeper has simulated living bodies for us as closely as possible. It was only a matter of days ago that a number of us died again, or came very close to doing so.
Death may not be permanent here, but nor should it be taken lightly. For your own sake, and for the sake of those who care about you, I urge you to have a care towards your own well-being--I would rather not see anyone hurt over such easily preventable mistakes.
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...I don't have anyone like that.
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You do. Whether you realize it or not, whether it feels that way or not, your life has touched someone else's. Whether you mean to or not, there's simply no avoiding it--no man is an island.
That is certain to hold true in Amani, as well--perhaps even more strongly than ever before.
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[His tone was distant and skeptical. This guy doesn't know him. He's just some... nice stranger in a weird outfit who helped a moron in a cave. He's kind and insightful and didn't need someone like Shane weighing him down.]
Know anywhere I can get a beer around here?
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[He doesn't buy a word of any of that, does he? Well, that's fine. No matter how much you might want to, you can't simply force faith, hope, happiness, or purpose onto someone. Those are truths that only you can find for yourself, in your own heart and soul. Anyone else can simply attempt to guide you on your path, to light the way forward so you don't stumble or fall on your quest to seek answers.]
If you don't mind being physically or emotionally compromised, the bar in the central hub has..... rather potent drinks and cake. Otherwise, you'll want to visit Rosie's Records.
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[He's a little surprised Shane didn't pass through that bar already, to be honest. Fortunate for him, hmmm?]
You'll find space for live performance there as well, should you or others be feeling musically inclined--and lessons, if it's a skill you're interested in developing.
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...Thanks for the help. I should get goin'. But I'll see you around.
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[Seteth picks his lantern back up; those shoes are probably going to be hideously sticky and filthy, after the rock was exposed to warmth for so long--but at least there won't be any problem reclaiming them now. It's surely better than going back barefoot, isn't it? Cleaning up the mess isn't his problem.
Though bending to pick it up does remind him of just how rude he's been; Seteth has the grace to look sheepish at least, bowing his head as he straightens.]
Pardon me. My name is Seteth, by the way; I wish we had met in better circumstances.
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[He crams his feet back into the sticky shoes awkwardly, not wanting to touch them with his hands.]
I'm Shane. And, uh, don't worry about it. Crappy circumstances are kind of my thing.
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[If Shane is sure he can make it back to the exit, there's no reason to keep hounding him. Better to go finish his survey of the place while he still has the free time for it; nothing here seems actively dangerous as he'd feared, but you can never be too careful, can you? He's not sure he likes the looks of those bats.]
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[It was just barely a day before Shane found himself at Rosie's Records, grabbing himself a seat at the bar there. He wasn't sure how paying for a beer was going to work, but since his initial encounter with Seteth, he'd learned a few things about how Amani works. And if he needed to suck dick for a beer because this place was insane, he was emotionally prepared to do that. But he was kinda hoping that wasn't the case. He sat as out of the way as possible, getting a good look around the shop and feeling a bit out of place.]
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