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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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Oh, that hits him harder than he could ever expect it to. Than any defense could negate. There's something about not just the idea of mercy, but its actuality that relieves the spirit from all the burden and tension built up over a lifetime. His head is absolutely swimming, and he's left shaken from it all. From Angeal's kindness, from how he was certain that he was trying to argue with him about Greagor, that he might use this to attack what little comfort he still could take with the faith which had structured his life, which had given him meaning, which he had inherited from his father.
He clings to it, desperately, trying to make sense of his suffering, trying to make sense of it all. He wants to believe in a merciful world, one that is just, one that is righteous, even in the face of unfathomable cruelty.
Dion's eyes screw shut as he chokes back a sob. What can he do? What can he say to this? Angeal has a point. One he cannot deny, one he cannot contest. This had to have happened for a reason, it appeals to his faith in Greagor, but does it appeal to the mercy he feels for himself? What of the anguish that still burns so deeply in his heart? Of the guilt that suffocates him? Of every earthly wrong he's done—did he deserve this respite?
Did Greagor truly think he did?
"But what of...what of my sins?"
The question is more a whimper than words, barely able to break past the tightness in his throat as he tries to keep back another sorrowful sob. His fists ball at his sides as he opens his eyes and looks to Angeal, eyes red from the tears, his expression strained from the agony of tears that long since needed to fall—both for himself and Angeal's body, honestly.
"Of all the lives I have taken...of the lives I have ruined...? What of them? Of their loved ones? How could She see fit to show me mercy, when they deserve it far more than I ever could?"
no subject
But that's fine. This step - it's a good one, Angeal thinks. Worth the ache that goes deep down to his bone, the twist of pain around his muscles. He can handle a little something like this, can't he?
"So just because you're flawed, you think yourself undeserving of Her mercy and kindness?" It doesn't look as though he'll get grabbed, now, not with Dion in this state, not with this conversation being what it is. Angeal steps closer, ignoring the thorns of pain that dig deep into his spine, and rests his good hand to his own body's shoulder. How dizzying, still, to look upon his own face like this.
But that just means... Dion must feel the same, seeing himself, listening to himself.
It's probably cheating, to use that to his advantage, but Angeal thinks he can be forgiven for a little bit of cheating.
"That's not what mercy nor kindness means, Dion." Angeal keeps his voice carefully measured, soft and gentle. Focuses on his lungs, his breath, the way his tongue forms in his mouth, rather than the pain there in his other arm that he keeps carefully still at his side. "Even with your sins, you can still be given that.
"That doesn't mean you are to ignore your own sins, what you've done before as you were a part of war... But perhaps it means you must think differently on it. Maybe your pain was making it harder for you to think on all of it, distracting you from Her message."
What is her message?
Angeal has no idea. Banora's idea of religion was in old stories and things left long buried in the dirt beneath the apple trees. Midgar let it die much like the plants.
"This is only something you can understand, Dion. So, to best understand it... You can't let this chance go to waste. You have my permission, Dion." Angeal smacks his hand solidly against his own bicep, which - no he won't get distracted by that. "Do as you like in this body. Remember what it feels like to be a person, again, instead of a weapon trapped in stone."
Is that perhaps a little bit too much? Maybe Dion has never gone so far as to think of himself as a weapon, in contrast to Angeal, and Sephiroth, and Genesis - all of them knowing how ShinRa really thought of them. Maybe Dion was lucky enough to not be thought of in that way.
But on the other hand, he holds a dragon god in his body.
And issues like his don't spring from nothing whole cloth.
no subject
It's...such a concept. The very thing they were all fighting for, was it not? That they might free mankind from the shackles of magic and its blood price. From Ultima's vision of the world, from everything that robbed them from their own choices, from their own ability to live as themselves—to be human. Unlike most Dominants, Dion had awoken as an infant, and so his entire life was dictated by being this equally coveted and reviled thing. Something to exploit, something to be used. His body didn't belong to him, his life was not his own. His pain and servitude would pave the way to peace and prosperity for his nation, or so that was what he was told.
His lot was to secure Sanbreque everything it needed. Land, resources, safety, power.
Dion knew since he was a child that he would die never to grasp the joys of life that others would garner from his suffering, from the suffering he would cause to secure their bliss. Their serenity. For as much as he allowed him the indulgence of Terence's love and company, he never allowed himself even the thought of marriage, or a family, or anything that would give him hope for a future. He knew such a thing was beyond someone like him. For this divine gift was there a trade: his right to his humanity and that implies. But, if it was his life that could afford them such security and safety, isn't that a fair price to pay? Was he not chosen for that very purpose?
The answer has become a resounding no, and there's a lot that has been shaken within his core the more he's learned of the truth of their world, yet he's been molded the way he is. One does not so easily escape their roots, even if they are not fully defined by them. So, even now being given this reprieve, it leaves him feeling so besides himself and twisted.
Yet...yet...
"...You are right." He acquiesces finally, his (Angeal's) voice heavy with emotion and husky from the crying. "I shall take this blessing for what it is, allow myself the clarity it affords, and reflect. But, I fear for you—I know what you are suffering..."
no subject
Angeal keeps that little bit of religion out of his response, shaking his head and bracing one (good) hand along his hip. "You don't need to worry about me, you know. The exact title would mean nothing to you as it might have the average civilian back where I'm from, but all you need to know is that I was once of the highest standing in the military, going on the field facing all sorts of threats and pain."
He raises that hand, rapping the knuckles to his chest. "So for this sort of pain, I've already adjusted, just like I would on the battlefield back home. I'll be able to deal with this for you, no problem. I just got caught off-guard by it, that's all."
Angeal cannot guarantee that he won't stumble into a bathroom and pain-hurl the second he knows he's far enough away from Dion.
He does not tell him this.
Although a part of him wonders if that could even happen, in Dion's body... Physically, it's no doubt used to functioning like this, right? It's how unused he is mentally to long lasting pain such as this which is throwing him off.
Ugh. Angeal tries not to think about it, instead doing his best to focus on Dion. Keep his thoughts off of what he's experiencing with this body. "I'll likely just relax in the baths until all of this wears off. In the meanwhile, you should take the opportunity to enjoy some good food that isn't seasoned with pain, explore as you like, all of that." He lets out a soft huff. "I'd even say that you could use it for more intimate matters too so long as the other party knew it was you, but... I know you're not the type who's so relaxed with sex still."
Or else Angeal could just recommend him to Genesis and Sephiroth, let him have an education.
Well, it's fine.