![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
Entry tags:
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
III
And within is a single bed, the shoddiest blanket he's ever seen, and a wood burning stove without even a scrap of firewood laying about. He turns back, looking outside, thinking maybe he can scavenge some quickly as snow begins to pile up directly outside the window.
What the fuck?
He starts eyeing the meager furniture in the room, quickly calculating how long each thing might burn and how quickly he might be in real trouble.
no subject
After it's all over, of course, he'll change his tune.
For now, it seems perfectly natural to make for that little cottage as the snow drifts much faster than it should. By the time he reaches the door - or at least, what should be the door - the snow has somehow piled up nearly to the top of the doorframe. Inconvenient, but nothing the Phoenix can't handle.
Cid may hear the snow sloughing away from the door in large melting chunks, or he may see the flicker of flames from underneath the sad, wooden door, before it's clear enough for Joshua to push it open and step inside. He closes it again hurriedly behind him with one hand, the other lifted palm-up and wreathed in shimmering flame that pulses with warmth. Only then does he turn and see the place is already occupied.
"Oh! My apologies, it was not my intent to intrude." Though he's not entirely certain this man actually lives here, either. For one thing...
"But - your stove lies empty, that's hardly any way to fend off a biting chill such as this. You must be freezing." Without hesitating, he moves further into the room to bring his flame closer - both to bring this fellow some warmth, and to shed some light so that Joshua might more clearly see his face.
no subject
He tosses it into the stove as he looks into the face of an unfamiliar man. Yet he does not need to know his face to feel the very presence of the Phoenix.
"That I am. Hm. Bit big for a little boy who was murdered, aren't you, Joshua Rosfield?"
no subject
"...that I am. So it is really you, Cidolfus Telamon." A pang of remorse hits him, recalling the one and only time he's ever seen Cid in the flesh. If he'd only been able to get there a little bit faster...but that was so long ago now, and so much has happened. He mustn't dwell.
"I have heard so much about you, and yet I never thought it possible that the opportunity could arise to meet you myself. The man who took my brother under his nurturing wing, cared for him when he was most sorely in need, helped him find new purpose amid the cruel chaos of endless war..." He presses his free hand lightly to his chest and bows his head for a moment. "It is truly an honor."
Then that hand joins the first in bringing a bit more heat and illumination to the cold, shabby room. He moves closer still, that Cid might share in its warmth.
"Please, allow me to show my gratitude by lending you my flames. It's the least I can do."
no subject
He drops the chair and comes in close to Joshua, the pallor of his skin worrying even in the warm glow of the other man's flames. He holds shaking hands up to the flame, frowning after a moment. It seems the gloves are insulating him from the heat as well. He catches the hem and pulls each of them off, revealing marbling on his hands and wrists.
He holds them close to the fire, and though he still looks miserable, he doesn't complain. He must be chilled to the very bone.
no subject
But Joshua can do nothing to ease that particular burden - this, he knows only too well. The rest, though...his gaze is filled with urgency when they return to the man's face.
"By the Founder... This is no mere chill, to be dispelled by a few middling flames! Remove your clothes, all of them, quickly."
While Cid is hopefully doing that, Joshua closes his eyes and takes in a slow, deep breath. When he exhales just as slowly, the flame he carries in his palms spreads to wreathe his whole body, an iridescent fire that does not burn. That done, he begins to remove his own clothes, as well.
no subject
Cid’s numb, trembling fingers struggle with his clasps and ties.
“Fuck,” he whispers, as his fingers miss the release on his jacket more than once. His hands go to his belts instead, the larger objects a little easier to manage. “Give me a hand, would you?” he says through teeth grit tight enough to stop the chattering of his teeth. “There’s a complicated clasp at my ribs.”
FFXVI spoilers incoming forever
He himself pays none of that any mind, focused solely on getting Cid's clothes off. He doesn't stop with the man's jacket, continuing on to every clasp and buckle he can find. "Quickly, now," he murmurs, going to one knee to unfasten Cid's boots next.
no subject
Cid is too cold and too old to be embarrassed by a little nudity. Joshua reveals much about Cid in this moment. Like how advanced his petrification also is, the numerous and even fresh scars on his body, or how Cid seems to just not be wearing any underwear. Convenient enough.
But likewise, this allows Cid to see the fresh scarring injury on Joshua’s chest. He hisses as he sees it.
“Nasty wound there, boy.”
Looks bad enough to kill a man. He doesn’t say as much, he’s sure that’s actually true.
“I’m going as quick as I can,” he mumbles in response as he gazes down at Joshua. From there, his shirt is simple enough, and his trousers aren’t anything special. The boots have a couple buckles, but they’re well worn enough that they simply pull off. He presses a hand against the wall to brace himself as he lifts his feet one at a time.
no subject
The fresh scars don't stand out much to him, since Dion told him this place has plenty of wild beasts that need fending off. The lack of underwear, well...hard not to notice that, and perhaps the corners of Joshua's lips quirk up just a bit in amusement, but this, too, he stays silent about.
He only pauses for a moment when Cid comments on the wound. "That it is," he says quietly. "But well worth it for Clive's sake." He thinks Cid will understand.
Once Cid is fully nude, Joshua swiftly finishes shucking his own clothes. He is wearing underwear, but he removes those, too, before he moves toward the bed.
"Come, lie down. We must maintain as much contact as we can."
no subject
Cid pulls his lips into his mouth for a moment as Joshua removes his own underwear, too.
“As much contact as we can, huh? You’re thorough, Lord Rosfield.” But he’s not actually complaining. He gets into the bed, sucking breath as the frigid sheets touch his naked flesh. “Ffffuck-“
He shivers again, his arms going around himself, though it helps nothing. “God. Please. Any moment now,” he begs, looking a little blue in the lips.
no subject
Joshua lifts a brow slightly. "Would you prefer I be less thorough? Hoping, perhaps, that frostbite might serve as a fashion statement?" But likewise, he's not actually offended.
As soon as Cid's lying down, Joshua moves to do the same behind him, becoming the big spoon as he wraps his own arms around the older man, flames bright but not blinding, and presses close. But this isn't enough - there are parts of Cid he cannot touch.
In a moment, the wings of the Phoenix unfurl from his back, and these, too, he wraps around Cid like a blanket of warm, feathery down.
"Better?" he asks quietly.
no subject
"Yes. Thanks, Joshua," he whispers as he presses his body back against Joshua's front, heat seeking. He buries one hand in the soft, hot down of his feathers and places his own hand on Joshua's to warm it.
"Even if most whores get more preamble than I just did," he says with a laugh. "I won't be offended if you do or don't stiffen up back there," Cid mumbles, making idle conversation as he can feel Joshua's cock with his backside. Presumably, they had a storm to wait out.
no subject
He hasn't been thinking about this in any context other than helping Cid, thus far, but he certainly is now.
"Ha, well, physically speaking, it's...probably inevitable, under the circumstances. That storm isn't likely to subside anytime particularly soon, after all."
Which says nothing of Joshua's actual opinion on it beyond the sheer physical likelihood, of course.
no subject
Cid finally feels a little warmth in his muscles. Enough to turn around in bed at least, underneath Joshua’s downy feathers to face him. “Well, don’t mind me saying so if you’re merely so single-minded in your duties. But it takes a particular sort of man to strip down so fully.”
“So tell me, had Rosaria not fallen, would they have been hard-pressed to find its crown prince an acceptable bride?”
no subject
Joshua's a little surprised when Cid rolls over to face him. While it's true that he is pretty single-minded in his duties, Cid's also hit the nail on the head. Not that Joshua knew it yet back when arranged marriage prospects were still relevant to him.
The gaze that meets Cid's is as steady and sure as his continued warming embrace. "Likely so. Much to the disappointment of my dearest friend who served as my protector and companion for many years, alas." He certainly had never been blind to Jote's feelings, but he felt it was best not to address them directly, for her sake. Why confront her with a truth she must have already known?
no subject
"Who could blame her? Look at you. You're as pretty as a songbird, aren't you?" His thumb strokes Joshua's cheek, and he gives him a soft, wanting look.
"Unless you've got a chess board or a bottle of rum tucked away in your pockets, I haven't any other ideas for ways to while away the hours."
no subject
But no one's ever told him this with the kind of look Cid's giving him now. And no one's ever propositioned him before. ...that he noticed, anyway. He supposes it's possible someone did and he was too absorbed in his work to pay it any mind.
As Cid points out, though, there is nothing else to get absorbed in right now unless it be sleep, and if he falls asleep, his flames will likely go out. No, he needs to sustain them until the danger is past, which means...he does need something to keep him alert and occupied. And Cid is far from unattractive, and so important to Clive besides - which means he can be trusted.
"Nor have I," he agrees quietly, "so long as you do not mind a lack of experience on my part. It would certainly help stave off the cold, would it not?" Just a bit of cheek, there.
no subject
Maybe narrowly dying in the cold would be worth it for this little roll in the sheets.
"Don't worry, lad, I've enough experience for us both." Which is when he leans forward for a kiss.
no subject
The thought occurs to him, feeling the delicate tingle of Cid's chilly thumb gliding along his lip, that if he kisses this man now, he will have given up the chance to share his first kiss with Dion. But the idea of disappointing Dion with a clumsy kiss because he turned down an opportunity to learn from experience while he could is unacceptable, and so the choice is clear.
He leans forward himself to meet that kiss halfway, curling his wings to hold Cid just a little closer.