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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
Zagreus | Hades
1. Honey Calcite
Ah. Zagreus knew it was only a matter of time before he ran headlong into some incredibly stupid way to die. But hey, at least if he dies, maybe he'll go back to the Underworld where he belongs? Still, even if so, he doesn't want to leave Meg and Hypnos and Than behind, so he's got to somehow figure out how to survive - something he's historically pretty terrible at.
It certainly doesn't look good for him right now. How was he supposed to know that if he stepped on this bit of the floor that's a different colored rock from the rest of it, it would melt under his burning feet into a powerfully sticky, syrupy substance that's slowly sucking him further down into the ground? Even worse, trying to pull his feet out ended up knocking him off balance, at which point he put his hands out to catch himself as he fell forward...and then his palms stuck fast to the ground in front of him, which is not melting.
So when someone runs across him, they will find him sunk to his knees in a thick, viscous syrup and bent over with his hands flat on the floor. The more he's tried to move, the faster his feet have sunk, so he's stopped trying for now. He's still sinking, just...slower than before.
Which is why he turns toward the newcomer with a sheepish sort of look in his mismatched eyes. "Hello there. Er, I don't suppose I could trouble you for a bit of help...?"
2. Hemimorphite
Never let it be said that the Prince of the Underworld lacks curiosity. There isn't much in the way of sweets in Hades' realm. Poms are a little sweet, but mostly tart. So this heady scent draws his attention easily, and he follows his nose to the blue, fluffy-looking rock. It smells so tasty that he simply has to try it!
The next person he sees looks for all the world like Lord Dionysus. Which only makes sense, of course, having reached Olympus at last! Look at all these fluffy clouds and lovely trees. Not to mention all the ambrosia everywhere! Incredible that it's not contraband here, simply available to all.
When he sees 'Dionysus,' he gives 'the god' a wide, warm smile and bows politely. "There you are, Lord Dionysus, mate. I cannot sufficiently express to you how much all your aid and support has meant to me on my long journey to Mount Olympus. But now that I'm finally here, perhaps you might honor me by sharing a drink with me properly?"
And he hands whoever this is a 'glass of ambrosia,' which...is actually just another chunk of hemimorphite. He lifts his own chunk as if it were a wine glass to clink against theirs.
3. Who Is That I See?
While underground caverns and bodies of water aren't exactly new to Zagreus, even Elysium doesn't have anything quite as beautiful as this crystal lake. He wishes he had his fishing rod - he imagines any fish that swim in waters that clear must be just as breathtaking.
He kneels down by the water's edge and takes a few sips from cupped hands before he notices that his reflection in the surface looks...odd. He blinks and realizes that his reflected surroundings are different, too.
When he stands up to take in the entirety of the image, what he sees makes him stare with a soft 'oh' of understanding. In the water, he's driving a chariot and dressed in much more formal clothes. Riding in the chariot beside him is Thanatos, equally dressed to the nines. They're riding slowly, not swiftly, down the path that leads to Persephone's house and lush garden. And behind them walk everyone they know and care about, carrying gifts. Achilles and Patroclus, Nyx, Hypnos, Charon, Meg, Persephone, Dusa, Orpheus with his lyre and Eurydice singing along, all the Olympians...even Primordial Chaos somehow manages to be part of the procession.
Oh yes, he recognizes it for what it is: a wedding procession.
He'll still be standing there staring at it whenever someone else comes into the cavern. Perhaps they might notice a little bottle that's washed up to sit beside him on the shore; he hasn't, yet.
4. Wildcard
[I'm down for whatever, hmu!]
2. Hemimorphite
[This guy had some kind of toga on, weird laurels on his head that seemed to have leaves float off like embers into the sky but never seemed to be missing any, friggin' SKULLS all over him, and no shoes. His feet looked like molten lava, too. What in the goddamn Lord of the Rings? And then the guy talks to Shane like he knows him, calling him some fancy name, and wants to toast rocks, I guess?]
[Not knowing what to do and lightly panicked that a weirdo in a cave had sprung a social situation on him, Shane unthinkingly rolled with it, foolishly perpetuating the misunderstanding without knowing if he could accurately portray the person he was supposed to be pretending to be. He raised his piece of rock, same as Zagreus.] Yeah, man, you know it. [He knocked his rock into Zag's. A surprisingly on the nose performance. Fake it till you make it?]
no subject
We've been waiting an awfully long time to spend time together like this, haven't we? I...do hope the reality of meeting me isn't a disappointment, after all the hype. But I assure you, I can hold my liquor with the best of them, and I'd never say no to a bit of good old-fashioned revelry!
no subject
No way, man, no disappointment at all. You sound like my kinda guy. I'd love to drink with you.
[Just then, the world started to sway, and everything felt... warmer and brighter. Stone turned to wood and the sounds of laughter and glasses clinking together began to fill the air. When did Zagreus get jeans and a t-shirt? If it weren't for the mismatched eyes, he might look like he belonged right here in the Stardrop Saloon. Which is obviously where they'd been the entire time.]
You haven't been here before, right? C'mon, I'll show you my favorite spot to sit around and get wasted.
no subject
[Zagreus gives him a pleased smile that looks a lot like if he had a tail, he'd be wagging it right now.]
I most certainly haven't, as you know, mate. By all means, lead on.
no subject
Damn, this stuff is good. [Despite the weird location discrepancy, he felt no need to drop his character. After all, this was the closest he'd come to having a friend in a while, and this dude would probably get mad at him if he stopped. Shane was in a good mood for once and didn't want it ruined.] So! How's it goin'? Doin' alright?
1. Honey Calcite
My, my, Zagreus, what a compromising position you find yourself in. How in-character.
no subject
[That expression on her face sure does something to him, and in the past he would have assumed it meant that she intended to have her fun with him. Now...well, that was a long time ago, and although things have been steadily improving between them, he wouldn't exactly call them intimate anymore. She's just as likely to torment him in the non-sexy way, or at least that's what he's guessing.]
I...don't suppose that look on your face means you plan to get me out of here anytime soon?
no subject
no subject
[Boy, being in a position like this around her - literally and figuratively - sure is taking him back. He tries not to look too eager, but she's always been able to read him like a book.]
no subject
It's in the past. As I said, make it worth my time... and I will free you.
[On the rock ledge where she crouched, she sat all the way down, her knees at Zagreus' shoulder height now. She'd leave it up to him how he paid for his freedom, but this was certainly a suggestion.]