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TDM #9
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, seek shelter from the typhoon here. If you'd like, there is cake and some refreshments."
WHAT
The ninth Amani TDM!
WHEN
October 26th - December 31st, 2022
KINKS OF THE MONTH
★ Shower Sex
★ Footjob OR Bloodplay
★ Breatheplay
★ Position: 69
★ Sensory Deprivation
★ Footjob OR Bloodplay
★ Breatheplay
★ Position: 69
★ Sensory Deprivation
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.
FRIEND OR FOE?
Inhabitants may remember all those bushels of apples that appeared not too long ago. Now it's time for a seasonal vegetable to shine: the pumpkin! ... Well, sort of. The trickster pixies have enchanted the native pumpkins and turned them into something new entirely it seems!
The Peacekeeper claims that they are an anomaly and should be treated with caution. It is still trying to gather information on them... but they are very stubborn. These curious little creatures called Poppikins will begin to seek out warmth from the oncoming overnight frosts. And what's a warmer place than where inhabitants have taken up?
While they approach and settle outside homes willingly, trying to bring them indoors will require more time and trust. They return any affection given by seemingly vomiting pumpkin seeds (mixed with candy corn, somehow?) for inhabitants to have. Slowly but surely they may stay indoors overnight; however, one might wish they hadn't taken in this stray in from the cold. As all vegetation is bound to, the Poppikins begin to rot. This is where the trick part of this particulate treat comes in. What once was a sweet, docile but wary creature has now become an undead nightmare. It will spread rotting vines wherever it can, eat anything in sight, and worst of all: They can stack on top of each other to become more powerful and menacing. Hopefully, you only took in one.
You did only take in one... Right?
If bitten by one of these Poppikins, inhabitants will be plagued not with reanimation but an insatiable desire to eat the closest person nearest to them. Not in the literal sense though, of course. No, in the much more peaceful way! While it might not seem like much of a curse, this desire will not fade for a good few hours.
You might want to have some stamina potions ready.
The Peacekeeper claims that they are an anomaly and should be treated with caution. It is still trying to gather information on them... but they are very stubborn. These curious little creatures called Poppikins will begin to seek out warmth from the oncoming overnight frosts. And what's a warmer place than where inhabitants have taken up?
While they approach and settle outside homes willingly, trying to bring them indoors will require more time and trust. They return any affection given by seemingly vomiting pumpkin seeds (mixed with candy corn, somehow?) for inhabitants to have. Slowly but surely they may stay indoors overnight; however, one might wish they hadn't taken in this stray in from the cold. As all vegetation is bound to, the Poppikins begin to rot. This is where the trick part of this particulate treat comes in. What once was a sweet, docile but wary creature has now become an undead nightmare. It will spread rotting vines wherever it can, eat anything in sight, and worst of all: They can stack on top of each other to become more powerful and menacing. Hopefully, you only took in one.
You did only take in one... Right?
If bitten by one of these Poppikins, inhabitants will be plagued not with reanimation but an insatiable desire to eat the closest person nearest to them. Not in the literal sense though, of course. No, in the much more peaceful way! While it might not seem like much of a curse, this desire will not fade for a good few hours.
You might want to have some stamina potions ready.
A FEAST FIT FOR KING CANDY
As Autumn continues in full across the simulation, piles of leaves appear and are just begging for people to jump in! The pixies seem very active this season, actually, since these also come with an enchantment that make people feel playful and mischievous. Even the grumpiest of gills will want to have a fun after falling into a pile of the leaves. Whatever that may mean!
Though things can't keep being thrown into chaos! There has to be some sense of order! "I tried to tell the pixies to leave the native flora and fauna alone," chimes The Peacekeeper one day. There is a noticeable pause after its statement. Eventually, it follows up with: "I think that may have just made it worse."
It is not wrong.
There is a sudden abundance of flora in Amani though it's a little different than most might recall or expect. Nearly everything has been turned into candy. There are candy corn growing tall. From the trees are hanging candy apples decorated with caramel or other delights, chocolate oranges, and those wrapped strawberry candies you might associate with the bottom of an old woman's purse.
"They said they'll only change it back once we've eaten some so their magic doesn't go to waste..." A bit unsure, the resident AI trails off there. "Perhaps a feast?"
A place to hold this feast will be spawned in the ballroom found in the main hub. Although nothing overly lavish, it does have a certain seasonal charm to it. The Peacekeeper asks that to help, everyone brings one serving of a candy of their choice and to eat with a few friends.
If you don't have any yet, not to fret! There are plenty of friendly faces around who would no doubt be happy to break bread... Or, uhm, fried dough as the case may be... with you!
Just be careful: The secret ingredient in this feast is, cliché as it is, intimacy. The longer you eat together with others, the closer you'll feel. The closer you'll feel, the closer you'll want to be to them until there's nothing between you at all.
Though things can't keep being thrown into chaos! There has to be some sense of order! "I tried to tell the pixies to leave the native flora and fauna alone," chimes The Peacekeeper one day. There is a noticeable pause after its statement. Eventually, it follows up with: "I think that may have just made it worse."
It is not wrong.
There is a sudden abundance of flora in Amani though it's a little different than most might recall or expect. Nearly everything has been turned into candy. There are candy corn growing tall. From the trees are hanging candy apples decorated with caramel or other delights, chocolate oranges, and those wrapped strawberry candies you might associate with the bottom of an old woman's purse.
"They said they'll only change it back once we've eaten some so their magic doesn't go to waste..." A bit unsure, the resident AI trails off there. "Perhaps a feast?"
A place to hold this feast will be spawned in the ballroom found in the main hub. Although nothing overly lavish, it does have a certain seasonal charm to it. The Peacekeeper asks that to help, everyone brings one serving of a candy of their choice and to eat with a few friends.
If you don't have any yet, not to fret! There are plenty of friendly faces around who would no doubt be happy to break bread... Or, uhm, fried dough as the case may be... with you!
Just be careful: The secret ingredient in this feast is, cliché as it is, intimacy. The longer you eat together with others, the closer you'll feel. The closer you'll feel, the closer you'll want to be to them until there's nothing between you at all.
PEPPERMINT SCHEMES
Eventually, Autumn gives way to Winter and with it comes biting, frigid cold and snow. The lake freezes over to be perfect for ice skating, snowmen are made, and snowball fights are had. This kind of cold lingers though and seeps into your bones. Unfortunately, it also won't go away by the usual methods.
It will take someone else to ensure that you stay warm during these chilly months. Even if it's just holding a hand or leaning in close, the contact with another person will see warmth spread through your body near instantly and provide comfortable relief.
Just be careful! The sensation might become a bit addicting if you're especially adverse to colder temperatures.
As a last spiteful spell from the pixies before their Winter sleep, they spawn candy cane trees sporadically throughout the simulation. Thankfully, these aren't as obvious or obnoxious as before... but they do come with their own catch! Of course, they do.
For those that may be new or those just brave enough to take the risk, trying the stick of minty candy will see it stuck between your lips. No matter what you do, it won't come loose. At least, not on your own! In order to free yourself from this peppermint hell of your own making, someone else will have to begin to whittle it down from the other end.
Freedom will only come once a kiss is had between the two. Hey, at least you don't have to worry about if your breath is minty fresh!
It will take someone else to ensure that you stay warm during these chilly months. Even if it's just holding a hand or leaning in close, the contact with another person will see warmth spread through your body near instantly and provide comfortable relief.
Just be careful! The sensation might become a bit addicting if you're especially adverse to colder temperatures.
As a last spiteful spell from the pixies before their Winter sleep, they spawn candy cane trees sporadically throughout the simulation. Thankfully, these aren't as obvious or obnoxious as before... but they do come with their own catch! Of course, they do.
For those that may be new or those just brave enough to take the risk, trying the stick of minty candy will see it stuck between your lips. No matter what you do, it won't come loose. At least, not on your own! In order to free yourself from this peppermint hell of your own making, someone else will have to begin to whittle it down from the other end.
Freedom will only come once a kiss is had between the two. Hey, at least you don't have to worry about if your breath is minty fresh!
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!
★ 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.
★ Make sure to dunk your questions/feedback in the thread below!
★ As mentioned this TDM will span the rest of 2022! There's a theme for each month that gives people things to play around with as they wish with time being all wibbly wobbly whatever we want. Thanks for your patience guys and I hope this gives you enough to do while I give myself some breathing room to focus on work and studies!
★ We are currently at 42/50 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!
NAVIGATION
Zelgius | Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn (voicetesting)
Coming only with the form-fitting black clothing he wears under his armor makes him feel like he's absolutely naked. Even having recently revealed his face to certain people before his death, it feels strange to be so exposed.
Still, even completely unarmed, he knows better than to let his guard down. The trees bearing candies with the scent of mint is equally suspect, so he gives them no more than a cursory, inquisitive look before moving on.
Even with no one, alone, swordplay has been such a part of his life that the training grounds is good enough a comfort to sort through his muddled thoughts on his current situation. A training blade is almost as comfortable to hold as Alondite, in its own way.
And, revived so he is, his wounds were comparatively simple to heal.
Hearing someone near, he gives a half-turn, hands on the pommel of the training sword, its tip to the floor.
"May I help you?"
Even if he can't assist whoever has approached him, maybe they could help him while away some time while he considers his approach on future matters.
no subject
Genjiro smiles gently, but as casual as he seems, it's plain there's an underlying unease and discomfort about him. He wishes he had his pipe.
"I don't mean to interrupt, though."
no subject
He frowns a little, considering.
"I'm uncertain if I'll be much help, I'm afraid. I've only arrived recently."
Unspoken, he's willing to do his best to help if asked. Doesn't look like Genjiro is the type to use a weapon, though. Pity. He really just would like to get some frustration out of his system before actively finding his bearings here.
no subject
He looks over the young man in front of him, then away, towards the ground.
"I suppose I'm in no hurry, either way. Since this is the end of the line."
Maybe it's obvious the whole dead homeworld thing is fucking him up a little. Maybe its not. He waves a hand.
"Nevermind me. Can I ask your name? I'm Genjiro."
no subject
He hadn't really been paying anyone around him any mind until he'd noticed Genjiro. It's a little hard to tell, given that they're strangers, but the way he looks to the ground instead of at his face is definitely telling of at least some measure of how unsettled he is.
That makes up his mind well enough for him, really.
"It is not in my nature to ignore someone asking me for help. If you require something, consider me invested in helping you attain it. If I can, at any rate. What is it you need?"
no subject
Well. Might as well go all in, right? He's a little lost for words for a moment still, however.
"... It's a lot, being here. Without people I know." He admits, "So I suppose I'm looking more for connection than anything else. ... That, or a place to get a drink."
no subject
Connections... that's not easy for someone like him, who has spent his entire life avoiding all but one or two people in his entire lifetime. Turning away, he returns the training sword to its place for another to use, and then once more returns to Genjiro's side.
"Shall we look around? I'm sure we'll find something soon."
He waits to make sure before opting to lead the way, mindful of Genjiro's preferred pace.
no subject
Honestly, Genjiro was expecting to be pointed in a vague direction and then left to his own devices. His words of thanks die in his throat, though. For now, at least.
He's a slower sort of guy, usually taking his time as he walks, and there's no exception today. At least he can talk a little easier.
"I don't make a habit of this much, but ... It feels like the situation calls for it. At least a little."
Maybe. Right?
no subject
"I am not much of a drinker, myself, but having one once in a blue moon is fine."
He'd sometimes celebrate with the officers in his employ for a short while to help them maintain morale, or to boost it, in the case of... the recent past, but beyond that....
"May I ask you what your profession is? Or was? Whichever applies."
no subject
If he had to hazard a guess, it'd be something he's not really seen where he comes from. People don't fight with swords anymore, really, and certainly not with skill.
no subject
It's... a truth, well enough, though not the whole truth.
"What is an iemoto?"
no subject
He's genuinely interested, especially in traditional or rare forms of art in all forms. He's taking in the sights, not really certain that there's a place suited for their goal anywhere near ... Still, the hunt continues.
"It's like ... A practitioner of a traditional art, where I come from, only it's at the highest level. I practiced flower arrangement and tea ceremony."
no subject
But he also considers what he's been told, too. He clearly lives in a world that is more conductive to the arts, which in their own manner take time, love, and dedication to master.
He can appreciate that.
"I imagine there is some amount of meticulousness to both. I know very little about that which you speak, but to be considered at the highest tier of practice, I imagine you have far more skills up your sleeve than I could ever fathom."
It's only a small amount of flattery, but none that he thinks is ill-deserved.
The hub, at least, has a bar, though it's been converted into a poolside as well. Still, neither of them need to get wet just to get a drink.
A small mercy.
"It seems there definitely are drinks available here. Any catch your eye?"
This is about to go bad or badly, as he reaches for one of the available red firecracker drinks.
no subject
"It sounds practical, at least. I'd be useless in a battle like that." He smiles a little at his assessment, though. "I'm good at what I do, even if it's a bit ... niche. Those in my music group with me say I'm a little outdated at times."
Regarding the drinks, he looks them over, slower to make a choice than Zelgius.
"Flashy drinks, aren't they?"
And then he chooses the rum, taking a swig and glancing out over the scenery.
no subject
It's probably telling that he doesn't say that what others think doesn't matter. As it is, he takes a cursory look over at Genjiro's drink before taking a sip of his own.
A spicy and sweet flavor coils over his tongue, and... it's not half bad. He'll stop at this one drink, though. Inebriation is too risky for one such as himself, for more than one reason.
"Are you a singer? Or musician? Or both?"
no subject
He wonders what sort of music there is where he comes from. Maybe Scream would blow his mind or something.
"The two I work with like to do spur of the moment guerilla-type shows, which I was never into much."
Genjiro shudders a bit, visibly, as a cold chill settles over him. He pays it no mind.
"Although they like to try to talk me into them."
no subject
It's close, but not quite. And he's looking his way when he sees Genjiro shiver. Absently, he starts to reach for a cloak that he doesn't have, but his own ease of movement reminds him that he's not in his heavy armor.
"You remind me of someone I hold very dear," he blurts, despite having different words in mind entirely.
"You both sing. Or, well, he used to. The group names you mentioned sound like words in the other language he knows, but backwards."
His cheeks turn very slightly pink at that admission, and he shakes his head.
"Not... what I wanted to say. Are you alright?"
no subject
"I hope it's not a ... bad reminder." Although it sounds good, given the fondness there in the words. He shudders again.
"I just feel terribly cold all of a sudden. I'm ... fine otherwise."
no subject
He stops when he sees that shudder, and frowns. Considering that he was fine until they started drinking, Zelgius gently pushes both of their drinks away. He doesn't have his cloak - otherwise he'd lend that. So that leaves...
Hopefully Genjiro won't mind being bodily pulled right into the taller man's lap without so much as a by-your-leave.
Zelgius is very warm, at least?
no subject
A little noise of surprise leaves him, and he's rendered a flush-faced mess in Zelgius' lap in a mere instant. He shifts himself there, trembling from the cold and nerves.
Jeez, what is he? A virgin?
"... This is ... embarrassing."
He mumbles it, but after a moment, leans back into him. The warmth is pretty nice ...
no subject
Roland has little intention to pick a fight, but stumbling upon the training grounds meant he could at least get a lay of the land, find out if weapons were something to be had or if it had been banned altogether. This might be the only time Roland considers the term Peacemaker, a little more than menacing.
He approaches carefully, close enough to glance upon the man's hand resting on the hilt, while Roland's own arms cross over his chest.
"I'd love some help, but if you're just like me, I don't know how much help you can provide that hasn't already been said by the Peacemaker." A beat, before he uncrosses, resting one hand over his hip. "Sorry if I disturbed practice. This place just got me curious."
no subject
"Do not worry about having disturbed me. I know very little beyond what the Peacemaker has said, but you can ask anyway. Or, if it pleases you, we could have a spar. Work out some frustration in an otherwise uncomfortable situation."
Because that way, at least there's a target for something to change, however small.
"...Or I could teach you, if you don't know how."
It's hard to tell in a place like this.
"My name is Zelgius."