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TDM #13
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 might be 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.
WHAT
The thirteenth Amani TDM!
WHEN
September 20th, 2023 (and until the next TDM!)
KINKS OF THE MONTH
★ Tantric Sex
★ Body Worship
★ Cuddle Fucking
★ Electrostimulation
★ Quirofilia
★ Body Worship
★ Cuddle Fucking
★ Electrostimulation
★ Quirofilia
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 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.
BASKETS OF PEACE
"Hello, inhabitants," speaks The Peaceekeper, "have you had a check-up recently? While we don't have to worry about disease here in Amani, your sexual health is still important in so many other ways!" It was recently suggested that perhaps they haven't been the most mindful in terms of encouraging inhabitants to have healthier sexual habits. No time like the present to work on correcting that oversight though.
How? With a gift basket, of course!
Each inhabitant - either new or established - will receive a gift basket full of fun things to try. Each one includes (but is not limited to):
How? With a gift basket, of course!
Each inhabitant - either new or established - will receive a gift basket full of fun things to try. Each one includes (but is not limited to):
- ★ Male and female condoms (flavored and unflavored)
★ Edible lubricant
★ Erotic dice + erotic card game
★ Bottle of wine
★ Heart-shaped bath bombs (aphrodisiac-laced)
★ Bondage lace eye mask + wrist/ankle bindings
TRIPPING OVER TROPES
Due to the influence of Dirk Strider and Rose Lalonde both, The Peacekeeper has learned about an interesting phenomenon known as 'fanfiction.' It has studied the topic intensely for the last couple of days to try and learn more about its literary significance amongst the multiverse. It is an interesting insight in some of the inhabitants' cultures and what 'tropes' appear to be more common depending on the circumstances.
Unfortunately, such an influx of information sees the AI running Amani a bit more distracted than usual. The simulation - at least for a few days - is a bit more prone to glitches as a result. Only these aren't the usual ones like a hole in reality someone falls through and ends up somewhere unexpected.
No, these ones are as if the NPCs and inhabitants both residing in the simulation are having their pathways forcibly rewritten. It isn't very obvious, at first. Perhaps you're feeling a bit clumsier than usual and need to chase after a rogue piece of paper carrying on the wind that leads you running right into your current crush. Or maybe something gets unexpectedly spilled on you and the person you like is suddenly offering the shirt off their back (and leaving them shirtless, of course) even if it's out of character.
Finally, inhabitants might really start to catch on when whatever dwelling they enter there is only one bed. Have roommates? Too bad, looks like you might have to share for a bit! Oh, no, how unfortunate... However do you think this scenario will end? The Peacekeeper knows since, well, it's the one unwittingly writing inhabitants into these romance trope scenarios.
Thankfully, it will snap back to 'reality' within a few day's time having learned that, as with most good things, fanfiction should be taken in with moderation in mind.
Unfortunately, such an influx of information sees the AI running Amani a bit more distracted than usual. The simulation - at least for a few days - is a bit more prone to glitches as a result. Only these aren't the usual ones like a hole in reality someone falls through and ends up somewhere unexpected.
No, these ones are as if the NPCs and inhabitants both residing in the simulation are having their pathways forcibly rewritten. It isn't very obvious, at first. Perhaps you're feeling a bit clumsier than usual and need to chase after a rogue piece of paper carrying on the wind that leads you running right into your current crush. Or maybe something gets unexpectedly spilled on you and the person you like is suddenly offering the shirt off their back (and leaving them shirtless, of course) even if it's out of character.
Finally, inhabitants might really start to catch on when whatever dwelling they enter there is only one bed. Have roommates? Too bad, looks like you might have to share for a bit! Oh, no, how unfortunate... However do you think this scenario will end? The Peacekeeper knows since, well, it's the one unwittingly writing inhabitants into these romance trope scenarios.
Thankfully, it will snap back to 'reality' within a few day's time having learned that, as with most good things, fanfiction should be taken in with moderation in mind.
FRUITS OF FALL
Last year, there was an emphasis on apples but there are plenty of other common fruits to be found growing throughout Amani. Due to The Peacekeeper learning about tropes though, some of them will have a temporary effect in that vein on any inhabitant who eats them.
And what are those effects, exactly? Well...
And what are those effects, exactly? Well...
- ★ Pomegrante » Usually a fruit associated with femininity, eating this will actually see your concept of gender be a little more malleable. Characters will suddenly see new sliding scales in their DTF's menu that allows them to decide how feminine, masculine, or in-between they'd like their physical forms to be!*
★ Blackberries » Eating a handful of these berries will see someone's personality flip on its head. Those usually happy-go-lucky and bubbly will now be morose or upset about every little thing. Thankfully, it doesn't last long... even if the damage to your relationships from your unexpected shift in mood might. Oops.
★ Peaches » Often used in modern text language as a sensual symbol, this fruit will see someone swap kinks with another individual in the simulation. Get ready for some really confused boners, everybody!
★ Grapes » These fruits are meant to be a shared experience since just one person can't be expected to eat a whole bunch of them; however, eating a grape at the same time as someone else will see you sharing more than just a meal. Now, you're sharing experiences in one the most intimate ways of all - by swapping bodies and all that means.
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!
★ *While this effect of the gender sliding scale will be opt-in entirely and only temporary, it is a feature that inhabitants can purchase in the future with stamps if they'd like!
★ We are currently at 30/40 slots taken! Anyone wishing to claim a character must have an invite from someone currently in the game and follow the proper rules in place to be accepted into the community!
NAVIGATION
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“Not five years, that’s for certain. Maybe five weeks or so? I don’t remember exactly, spent a week of it too drunk to notice the sun coming up.”
Cid bites his tongue. This is a little awkward, isn’t it? But the lad has always been a little bit awkward, though he seems more sure of himself as well.
“I guess we have some catching up to do, but fortunately plenty of time to do it. Look, you just got here, and it’s a lot to get a handle on.” Cid finally really notices how he looks, the dizzying excitement of Clive’s arrival beginning to ease. “…Hm. I should clean up. And so should you. We’re in polite society now, or at least one with more frequent bathing. Look, before we get into all that, you look tired. Do you need anything? Food, a drink, a bath, clean clothes?”
He’s definitely hinting something here.
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As usual though, Cid has the right of it. Much as he wants to start digging, a man's got to see to the basic needs first. He can almost hear Tarja's scolding in his ear.
"Frequent bathing? I wasn't aware I'd fallen into the lap of luxury." The answer is dry with a hint of a cheeky smile. "All right, lead the way. If you've got the goods to spare that is."
Goods indeed. This is the face of a man who has missed the hint by a mile.
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Cid steps back just enough to lead Clive back the way he came through the automatic doors. They pass Dion's room on the way. "Oh yeah, Crown Prince of Sanbreque is here."
He gives a little two bit whistle and jabs his thumb in the direction. "But at this hour he's at his job at the bakery making deliveries." Cid cannot stamp the amusement out of his voice.
He goes up the steps two at a time to the third floor, suddenly trying to think if he's got anything worth hiding in the apartment.
Though Clive might not even know what he's looking at. It was probably fine.
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The bit about Dion quickly distracts him from that. Enough that he stops a moment from following Cid to stand there and balk before doing a wee jog to catch him up.
"The crowned price of- bakery? Please, Cid. I'm addled enough as it is, I'm in no mood for jokes." Clive takes one step at a time, his bulky frame and long legs making it an entirely unnecessary, almost silly movement.
It is indeed, entirely fine. Clive following him so closely, a dog sniffing for desperately wanted answers, he hardly registers anything else at the moment.
no subject
Cid pauses in front of the door to let Clive catch up and to look him in the eye, to let him know he wasn’t kidding. “No joke. Look out your window a little after sunrise, and you’ll see him take flight.”
He turns back to his door, opening it with a tap of his ring. “…Ah. You’ll have to mind the mess. I wasn’t expecting visitors.”
Cid pushes the door open, revealing an absolute mess. It’s not dirty, well. Not completely. But he has a few piles of laundry, the washer is fully disassembled and laid out neatly on the floor, there’s some empty bottles strewn about, a few different packed ash trays, papers with his handwriting all over, a bong on the table crowded in with the contents of the sexy gift basket, a record player, records all over…
It’s a far cry from his Solar. And it weirdly does not smell like cigar smoke in spite of all the cigars.
“Hm. I don’t recall it looking this bad. Oh right, the washer is in the other apartment… Ah, that can wait.”
“Things have gotten a little out of hand, haven’t they. Oh well. Let’s get you fed at least, hm? When’s the last time you had a proper meal?”
no subject
"You're kidding me..." It's unclear as to which thing that comment is directed at, maybe all of it. The bit about Barnabas and the stamps, the bit about Prince Dion just... just living here? Working at a bakery? He glances at the basket on the table.
Is that a--
"Fucking hell, Cid." That doesn't require a response. Not really. Stated as an observation almost. "A meal? Well I-" Oh yes. Yes, he remembers. "The scorpion tail stew..." When did he eat that though? Give him a moment to try to remember. No, he's far too distracted by all the visual noise. He's got to clean this place while Cid isn't looking. Or maybe while he is, what the fuck is he going to do to stop Clive? Flat nothing, that's what.
no subject
"No one's been keeping me in line, dropping by unexpectedly. ...Or if they do, they're not wont to complain."
Cid glances at Clive. Is this a challenge?
Regardless, Cid makes a face at the mention of the scorpion. "Never got the taste for it myself. Though I have eaten plenty of it. I've got something better."
He wags his finger at nothing and chuckles. "Oh, you're going to love this."
Cid pulls a box from the freezer. He taps the luscious photoshopping of ham and cheese into the cross section of the enlarged for detail Hot Pocket.
"It'll just take a few minutes."
He prepares the pastry appropriately according to the instructions and sets them up in his microwave.
"This place is just loaded with the best technology you've ever seen."
no subject
He leans in as Cid prepares the Hot Pocket™, picking up the box and peering over it with scattered curiosity and attention.
"Frozen. Why are you putting it in a sleeve of paper?" He's crowding Cid now, watching more pointedly, scowling with concentration on his ministrations. "What does the box do, here?"
Technology, he says.
Clive presses one of the buttons on the face of it, eliciting a high-pitched beep that sends him jerking back just a touch. He drops his hand to his side again, attempting to hide the faint embarrassment of being startled by it.
no subject
"Yeah, frozen. Keeps it unspoiled for damn near forever, as far as I can tell," Cid adjusts the sleeve one last time, now done fussing. "It says to on the instructions for 'crisping'. I figure whoever made it knows best."
Cid watches him touch one of the buttons, and similarly jump at the beep. He turns his head to stifle a laugh. "It's for cooking. Like magic," he says with the quirk of his lip.
"But yeah, it's a bit loud, isn't it?" Cid turns to press a few more buttons and hits Start. He turns back to Clive idly scratching his jaw. "Just a couple minutes. It'll ring again when it's done."
no subject
Wild. Though he can kind of do the same thing- given it would be incinerated, not cooked.
"Okay." He braces himself for it to be done, hovering awkwardly, watching it rotate oddly inside the glowing box. When it does ring, he still squints at it, grimacing at the unpleasant sound.
Even more so, despite that indeed, the thing does feel quite hot to the touch, when he bites into it, the center is still ice cold. He doesn't say anything. Maybe that's how it's supposed to be. Or not. Who knows. He doesn't want to complain at this point, food is food, and this is... oddly satisfying. It's buttery and full of more cheese than he could even consider putting in any one dish alone.
"Thank you." He mumbles, once he's finished a few bites of it. It still feels like a terribly strange dream. Still, Cid is here, right in front of him, alive and well like he never even left. Which is to say, Clive stares at him, uninterrupted, even as he eats his weird little meat pastry.
no subject
“Don’t mention it,” Cid replies as Clive continues to stare at him. Can he blame him? He definitely died in his arms and all. But it’s way too weird to keep on like this.
“You’re making me feel like I’ve sprouted another head here, Clive. Relax, would you?” He flaps his hand at the other man as he finds a pack of cigarettes. They tasted a little worse than cigars, a bit more like ash, plus they burned faster- but at least they didn’t taste like fucking fruit.
He lights a cigarette and takes a long inhale.
“Not half bad, is it?” Cid asks with a smirk. “May as well be in Sanbreque in the Emperor’s own patisserie, hmm?”
no subject
Despite the protest, Clive can only avert his eyes for a moment before the anxiety clutches him again.
"Sorry." He's not. "I just. I have a lot to tell you. A lot has happened." It hardly takes much to finish the hot pocket. All things considered, it's hardly the worst fare he's ever had. A lot of flavor, compared to what he's accustomed to.
"I wouldn't know. But it's good. Thank you. I-" He pauses. How does one articulate that one has based their entire life philosophy off someone after their death? Is that weird? It's probably weird. "I've missed you. A lot."
He wonders, if a part of Cid heard how he wailed over his passing. He can't even find it in himself to feel shame over that. It was warranted.
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But he's not exactly. Good? At talking about feelings? Not like this and not sober at least.
"Well. We ate a bit of something. Let's get drunk. We'll pace it." The talking, not the drinking.
"Do you like rum?"
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"Sure. I'll have whatever." He mutters, wilting under the very clear recognition of his state.
He hovers, wanting to help but unable to know where anything is quite yet in this place. He settles for standing his hulking figure awkwardly near the counter.
"So... they're really serious about this 'peaceful' business then. Not exactly the afterlife I could have ever fathomed."