uhmani | TDM #6

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.

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.

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.

look away

accept

tiny crystal flask

Trying to take the water by any other means will see it evaporate. Drinking it will have no effect. Bathing or swimming in it will also do nothing special... though it is quite cool and refreshing!

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.

Sexy Stamp Card

Issued by: The Peacekeeper

1 2 3 4 ♡

6 7 8 9 ♡

❤

<div style="width:100%;padding:10px 10px 0;font-family:garamond, georgia, serif;font-size:20px;font-style:italic;letter-spacing:2px;text-align:left;">Sexy Stamp Card</div>
<div style="width:100%;padding:0 10px 10px;">Issued by: The Peacekeeper</div>

<div style="width:100%;display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;justify-content:center;align-items:center;gap:10px;font-size:16px;font-weight:bold;color:#13336b">

</div>

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<div style="max-width:300px;width:100%;margin:-10px auto 0;text-align:right;font-size:10px;"><a title="code credit!" href="http://10billionghosts.dreamwidth.org" style="text-decoration:none;color:#eee;">❤</a></div>

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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

★ 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

F.A.Q. ★ RULES ★ CHARACTER CLAIM ★ LOCATIONS ★ MAIN NAVIGATION

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"Um...yeah." The question is hardly surprising. She's asked it before, in different words. Back then, he didn't remember enough to even know why he felt like he couldn't answer it. Now he knows at least some of what's going on in his own mind, but knowing doesn't make it any easier, nor does it stop his subconscious from scrambling to keep him from falling off the deep end. It's way too easy, especially here with Tifa, to fall back into the comfortable lie while everything else slips out of his conscious memory, retreating back into the box his mind was keeping it in.

He looks down into his cup. "Dunno what you wanna know. ShinRa screwed me over, just like it screws everyone over. Nothing new there."

It's not the answer she is looking for but then again when does Cloud ever give her the real story. She sighs and takes a sip of her coffee to cover it up. Maybe the longer she stays here the more likely he will actually open up for once but she really doubts that. She wants to ask for more details but he already looks like he's closing off to her.

"I see. Then tell me about your time here. Have you and Aerith been getting along well without me? Did you maybe meet anyone?" Honestly she doesn't want to know about all of that but it's something she might learn from at least.

Cloud is, unfortunately, taking a sip of coffee when she asks her new questions. He manages not to spit take, but he does end up inhaling a little bit of it before he manages to swallow and then succumbs to a coughing fit for a minute.

"Uh...sorry. Whew." He shakes his head as if to banish what just happened. "U-um...getting along. You could say that, yeah." He can feel his face and ears heat up like a tea kettle. This shouldn't be that hard to tell Tifa! She's his best friend! Isn't this what friends are supposed to do, gossip about each other's love lives?

Yeah, well, Cloud's only ever had two friends until recently, he's never done any of this before.

"Guess you kinda answered your own question." His eyes are fixed on the table.

She leans over the table and puts a hand on his shoulder once he starts coughing, worried he might have choked on his drink. She's ready to help him when he finally stops and so she sits back down in her chair. His reaction is more than enough to tell her that her thoughts were right before he even speaks once more. She at least gets a partial confirmation.

It hurts, she is at least happy that he has someone but it still hurts. She hadn't been sure if Cloud still liked her, if any of that shy boy she grew up with still remained but there was always a small bit of hope that he would maybe one day love her and it seemed she had been wrong to hope. Her face fell and she held her mug like it was the only thing grounding her in that moment. Cloud liked another.

Her heart was aching but Cloud liking someone else didn't mean they weren't friends. She wouldn't get the ending she had hoped for but she wouldn't lose him either and that would be good enough one day. She'd hurt now and she'd hurt for awhile but they were still friends and she had to be there for him. Taking a deep breath she raised her glass and took a sip, looking at him once more with the same love she always would have for him. "I'm happy for you Cloud. Do you think I can maybe meet them one day?"

If Cloud had any idea where her thoughts were going, he'd have things to say - corrections to make. But he's never been any kind of mind reader, and he doesn't see her reaction.

Her question gets him blinking up at her briefly, though, before he turns his gaze away again, flushing slightly. Sounds like he was too vague this time. "You already have. ...u-uh, both of 'em, actually."

He considers pausing there to gauge her reaction, but no - this'll be easier if he just plows through it all at once. "One of them's Aerith. And...d'you remember Zack Fair?" Wait, shit-- "--u-um, he told me he met you. When we were in SOLDIER together. Anyway, he's here too, and..." He trails off, not sure how to come out and say it, so he just glances back up at her, both hands lightly wrapped around his cup.

"Both?" Before she can stop herself she says the word aloud and then looks away from him to try and process what he's telling her. Suddenly her coffee is the most interesting thing for her as she gazes at it. So Cloud really did like Aerith. She can't fault him for it. Aerith is a breath of fresh air, she is sweet and kind and Tifa thought she was pretty funny too. They had all just only met but it was like they had always known each other. They were instantly friends and it was nice to have another woman on the team. She had thought something was up back in the sewers after Don Corneo's. When Cloud went to help her up she had seen something there but wondered if it was her imagination. Her intuition was right and she was truly happy for them both but now she'd be the third wheel. She was just starting to like having Aerith around and hoped that friendship wouldn't be awkward now.

As for Zack she was having a hard time remembering why that name was familiar. She hadn't meet many SOLDIER in her life outside of Midgar and even then Cloud said it was during his days in the program so it had to be before Midgar. There had only been one she remembered. His face was a bit blurry in her memories but she remembered he was tall and had dark hair. He'd been in that village and failed to protect anyone. Cloud wouldn't date him...would he?

She could feel his eyes on her and she broke her concentration on her cup to meet his gaze. Her smile slipped back on, genuinely looking happy for him. "As long as they make you happy I'm glad. I don't really remember a Zack Fair though....sorry Cloud."

"Mn. Yeah." It's hardly surprising that she wouldn't have expected him to be with two people at once. He hadn't really known that was a thing either until Lazard and Angeal showed up. But by the time Aerith brought it up for them, he was used to the idea.

He watches her for a few tense moments, hoping she isn't going to be angry for some reason, but relaxes again when she smiles. And honestly, it's probably best if she doesn't remember Zack. Easier that way.

"They...they do. Thanks." He shrugs. "No need to apologize. I'll introduce you." Then, wry, "Long as you're okay with a greeting from a giant, excitable puppy. Two if you count his DTF."

Her smile doesn't really reach as far as it usually does and while maybe with some time she will truly happily meet Cloud's boyfriend, she doesn't think she wants to see if her suspicion is true. If it's the same man she vaguely remembers she knows she did yell at him once and that would make things awkward for Cloud. She doesn't want to bring him pain when he found his home here.

"I'm happy for you, really." She takes a sip of her drink. And while he talks she listens but she is looking for someplace she can go in private, even for a moment. She spots a restroom sign and slides her chair back. "Hold that thought, I'll be right back." She stands and makes sure not to run into the bathroom but she does walk a bit quicker than normal. The moment she is inside she locks the door and slides to the ground against it, holding her stomach as she squats on the floor. A sob escapes her alone in the room and she quickly covers her mouth not wanting to be heard. She's being selfish and she hates it. This is Cloud, her best friend. She can't let her own feelings ruin her friendship. She had to be strong about this for both of them. She had to calm herself. She could feel tears falling down her face and she got up to lookin the mirror, wiping them away and wetting her face to snap herself out of it. She absolutely refused to let damper Cloud's mood. He was finally starting to open up to her.

Tifa stayed in the bathroom until she was okay and once she returned to the table she was holding it much better. "Sorry about that. So, tell me more about him."

It's only when Tifa insists once again that she's happy for him that Cloud thinks something seems a little off. He might have mentioned it, except she immediately leaves for the restroom, and she's...in there a while. Was it something he said? Is she mad after all and just doesn't want him to know? She can't possibly still distrust Aerith, right? Or...maybe she was lying about not remembering Zack, and has beef with him for some reason?

By the time she returns to the table, Cloud looks concerned. "Hang on, everything okay?"

She had made sure she wasn't puffy faced or that she looked upset when she left the bathroom but once she saw Cloud's face she wondered if she didn't do a good job. He looked upset and that was what she had been hoping to avoid.

"I'm fine, really." It was a white lie, she would be fine eventually. "So you were saying?"

Cloud gives her a skeptical look. "When I say stuff like that, you get on my case for it. You sure you're okay? We, uh...we can talk about something else, if you want." He's not sure what exactly the issue might be, but if this topic is upsetting her, he'd rather just drop it.

"Well..." She pauses, unsure of what to say. She can't just tell him her feelings. He clearly wouldn't accept her affections so there isn't much use in telling him other then causing him grief and she doesn't want to do that. "It's fine, I was just thinking about some things that aren't here. Hey Cloud, do you think you could give me a tour of this place?"

"...sure." Cloud finishes his coffee and stands. Feels kinda like the tables have turned, here, but he can't listen if she doesn't want to talk.

As they leave the cafe and start walking around the main hub, it strikes him-- "Guess the shoe's on the other foot now, huh? You dropping into my neighborhood and me showing you around this time. Except the bar here sucks."

And since she's already seen that, no need to go inside. They pass it by and end up standing in the doorway of the little library instead. "Hm. Forgot this was here. Never been inside, you wanna take a look?"

She's eager to leave this place and walks side by side with Cloud as he gives her a tour of the place. She's thinking the same thing he says and leans in close to him. Her muscles arms rubbing against Cloud's own for a moment before moving back from him. "It is. A bit nostalgic don't you think?" She is enjoying this walk thought, it's nice and she's seen a few places she wants to come back to. "You've done a great job so far Cloud."

She hasn't been to a library in awhile and it's a strange sort of place to go with Cloud of all people but something new could be fun. "Sure, let's go check out some books."

Cloud historically does...poorly with nostalgia, so he has no commentary on that. Her compliment gets him shrugging a bit awkwardly. "Had a good example to learn from." Even if she did drag him out to replace water filters way too early in the morning.

He has no idea what to expect from the library, but in retrospect, he really should have expected what he finds on the first shelf he peruses...which is romance novels with practically pornographic cover art. His face reddens and he walks quickly past that shelf, hoping Tifa didn't notice anything.

Unfortunately for Cloud, the entire library is nothing but sex-related materials one way or another.

"Aww Cloud you're too sweet sometimes." She does genuinely smile at him at his compliment and pats his arm as they enter the library. For a place run on sex and all it seems rather normal all things considered.

As she is looking around at some of the books though her own face turns red and she tries not to look at Cloud or any of the books. She saw him quickly walk away and put two and two together. Honestly maybe it would be best if they both decided on something a bit more innocent to look at, especially considering what she knew now about Cloud.

"Oh..um...libraries are nice and all but maybe you can show me someplace else? We can't really talk in here..."

Is he? He's really never sure what kind of reaction he'll get when he says things. Especially to women, for some reason. He was just telling Tifa the truth...

Oh, shit. Looks like Tifa ran across some...adult material, too. He tries not to sound too eager to leave when he nods and says, "Yeah. Good call. Let's go." He's already moving for the door before the words are completely out of his mouth, though.

As they continue their tour while definitely not talking about what they just found in the library, they pass by the pool area, but Cloud doesn't lead them close to it. "Pool's gross."

Beyond that, they eventually come to the training grounds, with its dummies and targets and punching bags and wooden weapons...and a dome at the far end that looks suspiciously similar to the combat simulator they used back at the ShinRa building, except without the company logo. "Figured you might wanna see this. It's open to anybody, anytime."

She places the last book she was looking at back carefully before hurrying to reach his stride to stay by his side. She keeps her eyes open at everything they pass by, noting to come back to some places maybe alone another time. The Library wouldn't have bothered her if it had been just her looking at the books. She had seen some that caught her eye but she didn't want to look at them when Cloud was there.

The training arena was amazing however. Her eyes lit up and she ran on ahead of him once she saw familiar things. The first thing she ran up to was a punching bag and she quickly jabbed at it with a fist, feeling the weight of it. It felt perfect against her and she turned back at Cloud with the widest smile and joy in her face, like a kid at Christmas. "I love it Cloud! Is it okay if we stay here a bit longer?"

Cloud watches her run gleefully into the training yard with a faint smile on his face. So much went wrong back in Midgar, so many things happened to bring Tifa's spirits down, that seeing her this happy is...it's really nice. He's glad he could give her something to be happy about, especially since she's seemed kind of down the whole time they've been talking so far.

"Sure. I got nowhere to be."

At Cloud's okay she smiled even wider. She took her hair and took out her tie she kept towards the end, pulling her hair into a slightly messy high ponytail. She wanted to keep her hair out of her face if she was going to get a good workout in.

The gym and training had been her biggest crutch ever since Nibelheim and honestly even before than. It was something she knew she was good at and a way to keep her mind and body healthy and to help her ignore the loneliness she often felt. The gym was her safe haven and having had some sad news earlier a good work out was just what she needed. Luckily she had her gloves already on and so she didn't have to borrow anything.

Getting into her fighting stance she centered herself against the punching bag,taking a few deep breaths before going at it with her fists. A left jab then a right, her feet shifting as she kicked at the bag. She was in her own little zone here.

Cloud takes a seat on a bench nearby to watch her. When they'd first started taking out monsters together, back in the slums, he was surprised at how good she was in a fight. He couldn't remember then, and still can't remember now, whether she'd ever done anything like martial arts before the incident. He may recall more now than he did in Midgar, but only because Zack's presence forced the issue, and there are still plenty of gaps and fuzzy areas in his memory, things he's never sure his mind is getting right - and there are still moments when something catches him off-guard and pulls one of those hazy memories to the forefront, and it's still too easy to lose himself when that happens.

But he doesn't want to think about any of that right now. He just wants to watch Tifa have a good time and kick a punching bag's ass into next week, and so that's what he does.

By the time she's finished, he's made a trip to the water cooler and brought back a full cup of cold water, which he hands her when she's ready for it. "You still got it," he says with a satisfied nod.

She hasn't realized how long she's been going at it by the time she's forced to be done since her last punch tore the bag open. She wasn't trying to get carried away but it just happened. So lost had she been in the motions, focusing all her emotions into each hit. It was cathartic, maybe not the best way to get her feelings out but at least no one got hurt.

By the time she was done, a sweat had built up on her and she had to wipe at her brow. She turned just in time to see Cloud coming with some water and took it with a silent thank you. After gulping down the entire cup she crushed it and tossed it at a nearby trash can, getting it in on the first try.

"Thanks Cloud. Sorry, that couldn't have been so fun to watch. I...kinda got lost in the moment."

Cloud gives her a slight wry smile at her little basketball game. Nicely done.

"You kidding? Watching you kick ass is always fun." He hands her a towel from the pile of them that never seems to run out. "Wanna keep going? Still more stuff left you haven't seen. The hot springs, the beach, the train...uh, and my place, I guess." Which would bring them into line of sight of the villa, of course, and the orchard...he's gotta explain who else is here before they get there.

She takes the towel with a thanks and dabs at her face with it to get the sweat off. Once she feels refreshed enough she places the towel behind her neck to rest against her toned shoulders.

"Well you can still kick ass more than me but I'm glad you like it. We can keep exploring if you like...though I should probably replace that bag." She heads back to the broken punching bag and easily lifts it off the hanger and tosses it aside. She looks around for where the extras might be kept but eventually gives up and turns to Cloud.

"Do you know where the spare equipment is?"

Oh boy, another explanation he doesn't wanna give.

"...isn't any. Broken or run-down things here kinda repair themselves. With uh...intimacy." Anyway, moving on-- "Don't worry about it. It'll be fixed next time you come back. Come on, let's take the train. Goes almost everywhere."

If she agrees, he'll lead the way from the training grounds to the train station, which is more inhabited than anything else they've seen so far, even if none of these people are actually real. Which is a weird thought, but he's gotten used to just sort of ignoring them when he can.

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beatemupbarmaid - 2022-09-23 01:52 (UTC) - Expand

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