uhmani | TDM #7

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.

A FOUL WIND BLOWS

For the last couple of weeks, The Peaceekeeper has been relatively quiet save for the mandatory greeting of newcomers. In fact, it doesn't even make the usual announcement that it has before to alert inhabitants of the sudden shift in weather. Blue skies and sunshine gradually begin to darken over. The wind picks up to a frightening gale that will see people likely needing to strap things down and fasten their shutters tight.

However, it's not anything physical that inhabitants will likely end up losing. The forceful rain, wind, and ensuing storm will instead strip away their inhibitions if they're unlucky enough to be caught in it.

What was holding you back, anyway? It's hard to remember or seems so suddenly trivial. It's not an issue anymore. that's for sure! Whether this is about something intimate, secrets kept, or things you know you shouldn't say for any number of reasons don't matter. Self-consciousness and doubt feel like a thing of the past and you're free to chase whatever whims you want!

Hopefully, you won't regret it when the effects wear off in a few day's time.

CLEAN-UP CREW

Although not everyone may be in the mood to buckle down and get to work after the storm blows through, the mess it leaves behind is literal as well as metaphorical. Time to get cleaning! The Peacekeeper has graciously provided a whole host of tools to assist inhabitants in clearing the debris littering the beach and floating in the ocean, including...

Inflatable Rafts

Skimmer Nets

Brushes

GET LAID

Liquid-Air Impulse Device

JUST KEEP SWIMMING

All your hard work hasn't gone unnoticed!

The mermaids that live beneath the waves of Taasunni Beach are extremely grateful that the inhabitants have taken the time and effort to clean up their home. To show their gratitude, they've decided to let everyone experience the beauty of the once-again pristine ocean for themselves!

Upon request, one of the mermaids lounging in the shallows will kiss inhabitants to fill them with magic. This gift will transform them into merfolk themselves for about 6 hours, allowing them to breathe underwater, swim swiftly, and explore or play in the depths to their hearts' content.

Those who indulge in this, especially repeatedly, may find themselves feeling unusually buoyant and free--as though a weight has lifted from their shoulders, and their troubles are simply washing away on the tide.

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>

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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

★ 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.

★ Please thank Love Bug Infy for helping out with this TDM!

★ Make sure to dunk your questions/feedback in the thread below!

★ The locations page is undergoing a revamp! While originally I wanted to have it done in time for this test drive meme, that didn't quite happen. But it is coming soon, I promise!

★ Due to moderator error meaning we are over the player limit already and repeated requests, the player cap has been increased to 50. We are currently at 47/50 slots taken! Anyone wishing to claim a character must have an invite and follow the proper rules in place to be accepted into the community.

★ Also in light of that announcement and since I totally forgot the monthly meme due to being sick... Why not check out the ATP/EMP Meme now up? See who others want to try out, enable your friends! Fun all around!

NAVIGATION

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

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Mm, good point.

[Noticing the shift in dress, Sänger couldn't help but smile. How proper!]

How 'bout drinks first, and we find a table. I'm no fancy folk, but I imagine the bar itself is a more popular spot. With a bit of distance, there's space to people-watch, if nothing else.

[As it is, Sänger orders scotch - or the closest equivalent the bar has - and waits for Arthur to order his own before looking for a table a little further away from other people. Wherever Arthur happens to sit, Sänger slides in next to him. Could he have done that at the bar? Sure. But a table is a little more secluded. Just in case any flirting he plans on doing hits sour. Then, there's no audience. Sänger can apologize and back off, and Arthur won't feel put on the spot.

[Theoretically.

[He gives them a moment to enjoy their drinks, and easily downs about half of his scotch with only a slight, quiet sigh to show for the burn down.]

Why'd you put your jacket back on before we came in here, anyway? Given how hard we worked, I can hardly think that you got cold so quick.

Gotta say, though, the view of you is nice no matter what. So I'm not complaining - just curious.

[Arthur was glad to agree, and with drinks grabbed (he'd tried a mead this time, for the sake of experimenting, but went ahead and grabbed a whiskey anyways - after all, it saved a trip, right?

With the extra glass sat well aside on the table, though, Arthur took a long drink from his cup, letting out a contented breath of his own. Alcohol of dubious quality, lantern-lights, and good company - it was already starting to feel more and more like home.

He lifted an interested brow Sänger's way as he spoke, though, and at the question--- quickly followed by the ever-so-slightly flirtatious comment--- he gave a chuckle, setting his cup aside.]

Naw, I ain't cold, it's just what I been brought up with. You go in somewhere, and if you can help it, you go in there dressed. It ain't like I put nothin' fancy on, either! I had this jacket for years, it's seen hell. [He joked, pausing to take another swig of mead, before cracking a small, playful smile the other man's way.] Besides, I wasn't aware I had anybody takin' in the sights 'til now.

Ahh, I was playing my cards a little close to my chest. But I definitely was. Still am.

[He gives him a deliberate once-over.]

You're definitely an attractive man, Arthur. And I don't only mean physically. Not trying to butter you up or anything, if you're worried, but that's just what I see so far in you.

[He takes a healthy swig of his drink, and props an elbow on the table, chin resting on his knuckles. The worn, well-kept leather gives nary a creak.]

You're respectful, and I enjoy talking with you.

[You're crazy cute, too, dammit.

[In the slightly dim light of the Hanged Man, Sänger's gaze seems to glow a little, the pink color of his irises standing out a little more. Enough that it bathes his eyelashes and a few wayward strands of his hair in a dim, pink color.]

I like hearing you talk about yourself, too. What you get up to. How your world is different from mine. What's similar.

[As much as he'd like to be blunt, perhaps he can get away with a more subtle approach - if only because he seems receptive to the easy flirting so far. He doesn't want to spook him by coming on too hard.]

We even have similar tastes in alcohol, it seems? I like my drinks with a subtly sweet undertone, you know? But with enough bite at the onset.

[The compliments seem to surprise Arthur, and leave him gawking for a moment. There weren't many times he'd been outright complimented like that, nor by anyone he's actually spoken with, so Sänger's very direct remarks seemed to throw him through a loop. It wasn't as though night-working women hadn't fluffed him with those sorts of things, either, and he'd exchanged sweet talk with his wife - but it had been so long since any of that, and never before with a man, that he wasn't sure what to make of it.

That was hardly a bad thing, but he digressed.

A small cough was given, an attempt to try to regain his composure. Don't look too hard into this man's glowing eyes. It was easier said than done.]

You sure you're thinkin' of the right fella? [He tried to make a joke, but it came out frustratingly flustered. He was a grizzled outlaw, goddamn it, how was he letting himself get undone like this? It wasn't as though there was much to do to fix it, though.] I 'preciate hearin' that, though. You're a good lookin' man! And--- if you don't mind my sayin', but I didn't think I'd hear much from proper-lookin' folks that was worth anything, but you're awfully insightful.

[Another short pause, and he offered his mug over.]

I hardly know what to think of this drink, honestly. Ain't like nothin' we had back at home, least not where I ran around. You're welcome to try. Bar owner said it's called "mead."

[The reply Arthur gives him only seems to make the glow in his eyes give a brief flicker - especially at the compliment in turn. Calling him insightful, too - damn does that feel good to hear.

[Offered a sip of Arthur's drink, Sänger's gaze crinkles fondly.]

Fun little fact - mead is primarily made from fermented honey, but other things could be added too. Including hops.

[He's had mead before, but not from this establishment. He takes Arthur's offered mug and takes a sip, letting the flavors unfold over his tongue for a moment before swallowing. He lets out the tiniest hum of a moan - just to be a little cheeky at him and see if he likes that sort of sound. His voice dips just the softest touch lower, huskier, as he looks at Arthur with a borderline dreamy look to his gaze.]

...Ohh, I quite like that. I won't deprive you of it, though.

[His movements are smooth as he offers the mug back, and he absently licks his bottom lip clean where a small droplet of it had trickled.]

[Right about now, Arthur wished he still had that drink, quite frankly - or anything to keep his hands occupied with. Not only was Sänger coming onto him, something he was distinctly unused to (in a serious context), but he was being extremely forward about it, now. He'd had the mead, he knew full and well it wasn't that good.

What harm was there in seeing where this went, though? He was a good man, and Arthur knew full and well how this world worked. When in Rome, right?]

It sure is somethin' else, isn't it? [He replied, but it was clear that he more than likely wasn't just talking about the drink.] You know, I ain't always been so keen on explorin' and tryin' these sorts of new things out, but if there's a time to do it, I s'pose it's when you're dead.

[Certainly, it's piss poor for mead, but isn't bad as a drink on its own. The company kept makes it taste a little nicer to him, though. He grins a little at the comment, and lightly walks his gloved fingers down Arthur's forearm - just a little, daring touch. With the jacket in the way, it probably barely even registers, if that.]

Certainly. I'd be happy to explore a few things with you. Anytime it doesn't click with you, you tell me right quick, alright?

[He's certainly not just talking about drinks, either.]

Having a good time is a lot more favorable than a bad time, wouldn't you say?

[It definitely wasn't something Arthur would have picked up on, had he not been looking in the general direction, and his eyes followed the movement for a short moment, before they flickered back up his friend's way. Oh, so this was moving in that direction faster than anticipated, huh? Some part of him had some nerves knotted in his stomach, but the other part was decidedly curious at the notion.]

I surely will! But... I ain't run into nothin' I'd say I wasn't clickin' with. [He replied, making it clear he wasn't completely talking about the drinks, either.] Sometimes all a fella needs is a change of pace n' scenery to try somethin' new, you know?

[Sänger's heart does a little flip in excitement, and his whole expression softens up in turn. His voice drops a little to a soft, low purr.]

If you'd like to, care to find somewhere out-of-the-way with me?

So long as I know what you don't like, I won't cross any of your lines in the sand, so to speak. No matter where they happen to be. I promise you that.

[Arthur seemed to mull on it for a moment, before lowering his voice, as well.]

You know, I got a room just upstairs I ain't shown nobody yet. Don't suppose you'd be interested in a tour?

[Sänger visibly shivers at Arthur's lowered tone and nods immediately.]

I'd quite like that, actually. Lead on?

[He'll just... pinch his fingertips around the edge of Arthur's sleeve for a moment. As if in emphasis, as his cheeks turn very slightly pink.]

[He lets Sänger hold his sleeve for a short moment, before he pulls it away, only to rise to his feet. He takes a short glance around, and is relieved to find everyone else is thoroughly occupied - not to say he was ashamed, but he hated to be asked questions about this sort of thing.

Nodding for his companion to follow him, he started across the dining hall, and up the stairs, making up the stairs.

The trip to his room was short, as he was in the second room - but he opened the door, and stood inside, holding it open for Sänger as he waited for the other man to join him inside.]

[Following isn't a problem, although he finds that he's not as happy with the loss of contact, however small. Oh well. That's his problem, not Arthur's.

[He's content to follow, up the stairs and into the room. Only once they're inside it and with the shut behind them does Sänger allow himself to act, instead sidling in front of his companion in order to slip his hands on Arthur's hips with an undoubtedly pleased expression. His eyes keep dully glowing in the dim lighting as he makes eye contact, the hints of light filtering past long eyelashes.]

Pardon me, I want to admire the nicest aspect of this room as much as comfortably possible.

[He wasn't surprised to have Sänger close again the second the door had clicked softly closed, a playful smile spreading across his lips. It had been longer than he could recall since he got any contact like this, and even with the light nervousness tightening his chest, there was an undeniable thrill to the whole thing.]

Oh, I sure ain't complainin'. What's mine is your's, n' all that. [He teased, thankful that the few drinks added a fluidity to his movements. He didn't have to overthink things so much - at least, not this time, and that all on it's own was a blessing.] I'm appreciatin' the view, myself. Not every day such a pretty picture winds up in a place like this.

[Sänger chuckles lowly, and takes a very slight half-step back to make sure he's a little more easily seen, but then stops as he's called "pretty", looking up at him with a bit of a wider, more innocent expression.]

...You really think I'm pretty?

[He's dropped his sexiness aura down to zero while he tries to comprehend this. It hits different, is all.]

[The pause seems to take him by surprise, even if just for a moment, before he took the spacing between them as an opportunity to take a seat on his wooden-framed bed, shedding off his coat.]

I ain't the type of man who says somethin' if I don't mean it. [He replied, after a short moment of seeming like he didn't know what to say.] You got--- nice eyes.

[Arthur's answer prompts a huff of a laugh out of Sänger, gaze crinkling slightly at the corners. He takes a moment to remove his boots, using the opportunity to hide the flush creeping up on his face. It doesn't really do much for it, though.]

Ah... thank you. I don't-- usually get that precise sort of compliment. They're a bit odd. Not even a natural color aside from perhaps those with albinism.

Certainly not natural, given that I can see in the dark like a cat.

[Boots removed, he sets them aside and starts to tug his shirt off again before following Arthur to the bed. Playfully, he kneels at his feet and curls his hands around one of the other man's calves, his thumb tapping lightly against his shin.

[He's still blushing, still flustered, but he doesn't let it distract him.]

May I help you with these?

[He means his footwear.]

Well, I imagine you don't spend nights with the precise sorta fella I am, either, so I gotta keep you on your toes.

[ The joke was made as Sänger came over, and he watched with obvious interest as he knelt down, lifting his hands to take his hat and cast it aside, offering a small, playful smirk his way at the question. ]

I wouldn't mind help with those at all, thank you kindly.

My pleasure.

[His fingers work skillfully to free his feet of their trappings, and once removed and set to the side, Sänger makes a point to start to knead his fingertips carefully upward into Arthur's calf muscle on one leg, to start. He's seated in just such a way, though that all the older man has to do is lift his leg to press the top of his foot against the seam of Sänger's pants.

[Looks like he's positioned himself in such a way on purpose, though.]

Let me know if anything hurts?

Oh, I surely will.

[ The soft massage was not at all unwelcome, though something entirely new for him. His muscle, well-worked even in his afterlife, gave easily, and quite frankly, once he wasn't otherwise occupied, he might have to go seek out a proper one.

For the moment, though, he caught an idea from their position, and nudged the top of his now-bootless foot against the seam of Sänger's pants, an ever-so-soft piece of contact. Just a little something for him, which was about all he could do from this position. ]

[It's hard to help but admire him, after all that hard work they performed together. As it is, Sänger groans lowly at the gentle pressure, and then pauses his ministrations in order to slowly grind back down against him with a more indulgent hum. His hands still knead against his calf, fingers moving in careful, methodical presses as they work their way upward.]

Pardon me... you're really quite lovely to look at and touch. You have some good muscle here, too.

[He kneads him a little more, unable to help but indulge this whim of his for the moment.]

[ The compliment gave Arthur a quiet chuckle, watching him with slightly-lidded eyes from where he sat. Sänger really knew how to use his hands, it seemed - that was fairly promising, all things considered. ]

Been a workin' man all my life, so I'm glad to hear it paid off. [ He replied. ] I ain't complainin' none at all, but this bed sure could use some company when you're done down there.

[Sänger gives his calf a squeeze, and then moves on to the second, giving his hips another slow sway against Arthur's foot.]

It does pay off, yes... I'll get up there soon. I can't just leave your other leg neglected, even if my touch here is only brief.

[He makes a little show of kissing his knee as he works, envisioning how he'd look with his pants off, if he could work his way up his thighs, lips to bare skin...]

Tending to any aches in your body is just basic maintenance. And by the time we've thrown in the towel, I hope you'll feel very, very relaxed~.

[ As Sänger moved, even despite however much it stirred him, it made an unease shift into his stomach. He couldn't place it, but something didn't feel right. That liquid confidence was wearing off, it seemed, and it was leaving his mouth a bit dry. ]

Hey, ah--- I---

[ He floundered with his words a bit, clearly embarrassed, but pressed a hand to his profoundly reddened face, shifting a bit. ]

I'm sorry, Sänger, I don't think I'm ready to get into all this. I thought I was, but--- ain't sittin' right with me.

Ah...? Okay.

[At once, Sänger stills, and then gets to his feet with a small, shaky wobble. His own cheeks slightly burn, and he reaches out to touch the edge of the bed as he sits down beside Arthur - with polite distance between them. His body stays facing Arthur to some extent, and his hands settle on his own thighs.]

Thank you for telling me. Do you... What do you need, right now?

[His loins ache for the sudden lack of stimulation, but it's nothing new, and the sensation of it, he knows, will slowly fade as he ignores it. For now, some of his darker thoughts circle around how it's clearly because Sänger himself is strange and not purely because of Arthur's own limits.]

Like... if you don't want me to go, we can just sit and talk some more? Or exist in the same space. If you want.

TDM #7

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oops it turns out i forgot to get spicy icons for him. wuh oh

He's still cute with what you've got!

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