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TDM #10
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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.
- "Happy spring, inhabitants! This has always been my favorite season. Granted, I've only seen it once before." The point still stands. "Everything is waking up again, including the fae... Do mind their tricks! This year, they seem to have a flair for fashion and especially strange top hats."
Almost as soon as it's said, a fairy might pop one onto your head. It comes with an entire ensemble, too, in the form of a playboy bunny suit. The tall ears that sprout from the might seem like just decoration... until you try to take it off. Pulling off the hat will reveal that the ears are actually a more permanent fixture for the time being to your scalp.
Oh, and it comes with a fluffy tail too! Adorable.
WHAT
The tenth Amani TDM!
WHEN
March 22nd, 2023
KINKS OF THE MONTH
★ Oviposition
★ Predator/Prey
★ Bloodplay
★ Monsterfucking
★ Predicament Bondage
★ Predator/Prey
★ Bloodplay
★ Monsterfucking
★ Predicament Bondage
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.
TIME FOR TEA
As Spring begins to bloom across the simulation, so do more variety of flora. Thanks to the influence of inhabitants present and past, more and more life is being breathed into this little simulated world. It makes for things to be a little more homey... And a lot of these new plants also make for excellent tea!
Fancy ceramic sets can be found scattered throughout the simulation. They'll always be full and piping hot no matter how much a character drinks.
Each tea will have its own special effects. They'll be properly labeled with a cute tag that on the front reads "Drink me!" and on the backside says exactly what it does. Of course, depending on where the tea set was placed it's very possible the tag may be missed or simply overlooked.
Either way, they all taste great!
Each tea will have its own special effects. They'll be properly labeled with a cute tag that on the front reads "Drink me!" and on the backside says exactly what it does. Of course, depending on where the tea set was placed it's very possible the tag may be missed or simply overlooked.
Either way, they all taste great!
- ★ Mushroom Tea » Things are about to get trippy. Inhabitants will experience hallucinations that turn the world topsy turvy. Are you seeing double? No, there's actually two of you and you're just seeing through both their eyes. Woah.
★ Pu-erh Tea » This tea will stop you right in your tracks. No, literally- Anyone that drinks this will become paralyzed from the neck down. The only thing that seems to bring back sensation is a peaceful touch.
★ Assam Tea » This tea makes you feel fancy. In fact, you just want to show off to any and everyone around. Even usually meek or shy characters will suddenly burst out of their shells and have newfound confidence after sipping this tea.
★ Roobios Tea » Is it just you or do your clothes suddenly feel... itchy? It's not your clothes, actually, it's just everything. This tea causes an itch that can't be scratched. At least, not by your hands. Someone else's though... That's another story! And if it feels a little too good? Don't worry about it.
ALL THAT GLITCHES IS GOLD
Characters that wander away from the main hub might find themselves walking through fields of clovers before long. It will spur on a sense of free-spirited fun that lends itself to one wanting to frolic and play. A good game of chase seems like a great idea right about now...
Why not? Considering everything that being in Amani means, your schedule is likely pretty free. Any inhabitants gifted a hat from the fae will want to be the ones to runaway. Anyone else will feel driven to catch them.
But how? Easy, with some golden rope! This enchanted thread will wrap around any runaway rabbits with ease. The only way to get out will be to tell the truth. If they lie instead, they'll only become even more tangled up.
For those that are especially tricky though and escape the rope, it will then morph into golden chains. These are heavier, sturdier, and... sexier? That's right, this time to get loose one must speak a sexual truth. Whether it be a fantasy or long-kept secret is up to them, but there's no escaping this time unless the fess up.
Though hopefully, you aren't late for a very important date since some of these patches of greenery are glitched. Time ends up a bit... Jeremy Bearimy in them, so to speak, and what feels like minutes might actually be days. Oops!
Just follow the golden brick road- Er, sorry, wrong theme. Follow the golden rope or chain and speak the truth to each other to get loose. Eventually, you'll step back out into the simulation proper and the glitch will correct itself.
Why not? Considering everything that being in Amani means, your schedule is likely pretty free. Any inhabitants gifted a hat from the fae will want to be the ones to runaway. Anyone else will feel driven to catch them.
But how? Easy, with some golden rope! This enchanted thread will wrap around any runaway rabbits with ease. The only way to get out will be to tell the truth. If they lie instead, they'll only become even more tangled up.
For those that are especially tricky though and escape the rope, it will then morph into golden chains. These are heavier, sturdier, and... sexier? That's right, this time to get loose one must speak a sexual truth. Whether it be a fantasy or long-kept secret is up to them, but there's no escaping this time unless the fess up.
Though hopefully, you aren't late for a very important date since some of these patches of greenery are glitched. Time ends up a bit... Jeremy Bearimy in them, so to speak, and what feels like minutes might actually be days. Oops!
Just follow the golden brick road- Er, sorry, wrong theme. Follow the golden rope or chain and speak the truth to each other to get loose. Eventually, you'll step back out into the simulation proper and the glitch will correct itself.
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 before, this TDM will span March and April! While the events are canonical, they can be happening anytime in that timeframe.
★ And while there will be an event in April, anyone is welcome to hop into (haha, see what I did there) our current event if they'd rather!
★ We are currently at 31/40 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
no subject
The Doll puts both hands on her lap. "Different inhabitants see Amani differently. Death has no great hold here, and the people of Amani shall one day return to the waking world, we are assured. Why not think of it as a nice dream, then? A fun refuge from cold reality."
The Doll's head silently turns to look over the vine-strewn city. "Every person here has suffered loss. Tragedy. Pain. With love and care, they will grow and heal. I am so happy to be a part of that. And one day they shall wake, renewed and courageous in the face of the waking world." She turns back to regard Ren, hoping that he might hear the emotion in her monotone voice as she says, "I do so love you all."
no subject
Ultimately, he sighs roughly.
"Even the living have those problems. Y'don't need to tell me that." It's not an admonishment - more just him feeling at a loss and having the urge to keep up a tougher front.
"...Only them? What about you? Waking, I mean." He can't help it - her distinction between them is more than plain.
While he still doesn't hear her tone properly, the small level of inebriation allows him to sort of "feel" it. Hear the implications of it within her words.
no subject
"I have long been a caretaker. I cared for the hunters' workshop in the last dream, and I care for the Shrine of Hypnos, god of restful slumber here in Amani. If all the people of Amani wake and go on to new lives, then I shall care for Amani itself until more inhabitants arrive. And I shall welcome them as I welcome you now." She looks toward the hub whence Ren came.
The Doll's plan won't be as lonely as it sounds, when the day comes. She'll have the Peacekeeper. It--he is very sweet, and will appreciate the company until they have people to care for once more.
The Doll blinks away her reverie and turns back to Ren. "Is there anything a simple doll might do to inform you or ease your cares?" She crosses her legs and clasps her articulated fingers over one knee. It's a good pose, she thinks, for communicating that she is about important business and being pretty.
no subject
He supposes that makes sense - a magical doll only able to really move as she is in a dream, rather than the harsh confines of reality. That does make him wonder, a little, as to what his stubborn senses aren't letting him see of her right now.
But he's not sure how to go about seeing her properly.
With her hand on her chest, Ren takes her in - even if she's not wearing underthings under that sheer top. He thinks he sees something different out the corner of his eye, but when he looks, nothing's changed.
Rather than conveying important business, Ren thinks she's just... posing. To be cute. Maybe to appeal to him? Or is she more flamboyant than her almost inflection-less speech and immobile expression let on?
His stressed brain latches on to one potential question: Is she hitting on him???
"Uh..."
Think, Ren, think!
He picks up his jaw from the floor at this little pose, cheeks turning just a little bit pink. He shuffles his feet a little against the ground.
"I, uh, dunno where to start."
no subject
She gestures down the road. "Over there you might find apartments and claim one for yourself. Unimpressive they may be, yet with time and intimacy they shall improve."
She gestures a different direction, away from the Hub. "There are shops and a market where you may find food. Food in the Hub is often for play more than sustenance. Eat or drink there if you wish to play with kinks."
She gestures then back to herself. "As a wise woman told me upon arrival, 'this place runs on sex.' You may have fun with whoever is accepting, and ease the cares you brought into Amani. People here are kind; none have harmed me since I arrived months ago, though I would not have minded. As you play and earn stamps, Amani shall become ever more of a home to you."
Her gesture toward herself widens into something more like an invitation. "When you are ready."
no subject
But... he does sit himself down on the other end of the bench - not trusting her enough yet to get close, but wanting to offer an olive branch while he tantrums.
"Thanks for the warning about the food and drinks. I'll make sure I never touch 'em."
'None have harmed me since I arrived [...] I would not have minded,' crosses Ren's mind, and twists around uncomfortably.
"Doesn't getting harmed hurt you? Why wouldn't you mind that?"
no subject
The Doll is pleased when Ren sits by her. She makes no sudden moves--she is familiar with skittish creatures. She simply turns her head smoothly to continue facing him.
"I am only a doll," she explains in response to Ren's question. "I fear neither death nor pain. I am well accustomed to dreams, where death is but a moment, not eternity. I am well accustomed to blood-drunk men who are pleased to inflict pain. But as I said, none have treated me thus in Amani."
The Doll thinks that cruelty, too, is a form of love, that she is useful because she can weather what a real woman might not. But she doesn't say so, because she has learned that kind hearts ache when she speaks thus.
"Fear not for me, dear friend. I am quite happy," she assures her small companion.
no subject
He leans back against the bench with a sigh, mulling everything over.
"It's not that sex displeases me. I like it a lot. But the idea of like... needing to, for amenities and the like? I don't like that. I like to have sex because it feels good."
His cheeks color a little at the admission.
"I don't like that it's been given an outside value as like... incentive. Stamps, right?"
It feels like some sort of prostitution, if he had to put a word to it. But that's about all the coherency on the matter that he can think of.
"Feels kinda fucked up."
no subject
At the same time... the Doll herself doesn't have sex for stamps. She spends her own stamps when an idea captures her imagination, of course, but more often she exploits the very incentive Ren is talking about. She uses the promise of stamps to convince people that they should have fun and be intimate, whether with her or with each other.
Is that fucked up?
"Perhaps you are like me. I like to be intimate because it feels good, too. I love people and I wish to make them happy. I would do the same without stamps... but I enjoy it more knowing their lives will be better for my love."
She can't empower people the way she used to. This is all she has, the only way she knows to improve people's lives. Her purpose can't be bad, can it?
no subject
He supposes cooperating to amass such things in such a system is only natural.
"I guess? When I was alive, I chose not to have sex if it meant that people would pay me for it, nor do nor did I ever wish to buy someone's desire for sex in turn. Just the thought of it left a really bad taste in my mouth. It's fine if others are fine with it, but.. I'm not."
He slouches down on the bench, as if he's somehow started to be made of ice cream left out in the sun for too long.
"I'm sure you're a lovely person. If I have sex with you, it won't be because of stamps as an incentive. It'll be because you're you."
no subject
She takes a breath and lets it out. If the practicalities of life in Amani disagree with him, perhaps further intimacy is not to be, just yet. Certainly his melting-ice-cream posture doesn't indicate arousal. The Doll looks out over the city.
"What will you do?"
no subject
The familiar dread of more of the same prods at his psyche, but it's fine. It's just more of the same.
It's fine.
His own case turns skyward, unfocused and sombre.
"...I try to be kind. There's a lot of ugliness in the world. I don't need to be adding to it. Not in reality. Not in here.
"I appreciate your welcome. I'll try to show it better next time."
He just so badly wished to survive. Prayed to gods he doesn't believe in for a bit of luck to help save himself. Perhaps that lack of faith is what made him deserve it. But how could he believe in a god that felt that he was less than chattel?
It just felt so wrong.
"I promise."
no subject
"...would you like me to hold you for a while?" the Doll asks quietly.
no subject
It's a lie; he knows if he's held right now, he will cry. He will cry and wail, and probably mess up Doll's pretty clothes.
It's easier to get drunk and complain and pretend he's not as wounded as he is. It's hard to break down and let himself be vulnerable with someone and cry. It's embarrassing, too. Even though he's fine with showing and acknowledging his emotions, sorrow is something... private.
Sorrow masquerading as anger, as indignation, is fine.
But even if Doll was Eve to someone's Adam, it wouldn't change his hesitation.
Even so, he does reach out to touch her hand. Not looking, he doesn't feel her as she is - all porcelain and wood.
She's warm and soft. And his little touch simply... lingers. A tentative thing, so nervous and uneasy to ask for more. He's a giant ball of nervous, frightened, anguished energy in spite of his outward moping and relative stillness.
But while he doesn't pay attention, she's warm and soft, and he unconsciously holds her hand in his trembling one, his fingers smaller and more slender than hers, marked with calluses.