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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
no subject
At least Joshua is already armed.
He stops and turns with a fierce glare of his own as the king approaches. Blade in hand and following the other's movements with his eyes, Joshua mentally prepares for this encounter as best he can.
"Barnabas." His grip on his sword's hilt tightens just a fraction. "Know that no matter the true nature of this place, should you entertain any notion of wreaking your despicable brand of havoc here, I shall stand ready to stop you."
no subject
Fascinating.
"Bolds words from a sputtering flame of a Dominant." He replies coolly, his gaze locked on Joshua's. He spares not even a single glance to his sword or the grip that tightens around it. Nothing changes in his own stance, the King is not bothered in the slightest.
"What know you of the havoc I wreak?"
After all, he had hardly begun in a way that would be particularly known to Mythos and his allies, so that Phoenix would speak in such a manner has his attention.
no subject
But to ask questions is to show ignorance, and Joshua dares not.
"What know I? Plenty enough and more. No trace of your master's influence have I seen here thus far, but that you would sow the seeds of his chaos regardless, I have not a single ounce of doubt."
no subject
"If you truly believe me so remiss in that which I conspire, then you ill stand a chance to stop me." After all, everything he did had a purpose, had a reason. All of it was a means to an end, but none of it was any more or less than what was required.
For he is the Lord's Measurer himself, and is ever precise.
Holding out a hand, black mist manifests from it, taking the shape of a halberd that Joshua will likely recognize: Dion's very own. Taking it in hand, he holds it aloft, aiming it at Joshua in challenge. "Come, if you believe you possess the strength. Or are you naught but hollow words?"
no subject
Still, he refuses to rise to what is clearly bait. Or at least, to that particular bait. The challenge itself, that's...a bit more difficult to ignore. If Barnabas is like Joshua and the others, he can't prime here - but that's a significant 'if.' And even if he can't, taking him on in one-on-one combat here - particularly when the weapon Joshua wields isn't his own, but a dulled training sword - could easily end the same way their first fight did.
And yet, the memory of that fight lingers unpleasantly, like a bitter aftertaste on the tongue. And even a dulled blade may strike true in concert with the Phoenix's fire.
And Joshua cannot - will not - allow this place to follow the Twins down Ultima's path of callous destruction.
So he lifts his blade, which bursts into flames harmless to the steel but deadly to his foes. "Of the two of us, Barnabas Tharmr, I am not the one whose heart and soul are hollow." With that, he brings his sword up to his shoulder and slices forward, sending its flames hurtling through the air in a barrage of scintillating fireballs.
no subject
In fact, besides Barnabas himself, he knows not who else might. How troublesome for the prince.
As Joshua's blade erupts in fire, Barnabas watches with his usual impassivity. All fire and fury, as befits a Dominant of fire. Yet, just as a flame needs kindling to burn, he does not expect this fight to last with Phoenix's frailty. He resolves himself to test him all the same, to see what he can do, even if this fight will prove a disappointment. Of that he is certain.
His taunt is met with no reaction nor response, instead he simply holds his readied form. As those fireballs are volleyed his way, he twists the halberd in his grip, adding another hand to its length as he prepares to parry. Spinning it, he deflects the flames as he charges it with his own dark magic, allowing what explosion of flames there might be from the contact to be consumed by darkness.
Though the crackle of that energy doesn't fade, and only seems to hum as he then swings the polearm into a slashing motion before him—releasing a wave of concentrated energy of darkness in an arc straight at Joshua.
no subject
For now, he has a fight to focus on. And focus he must, for as he well knows, fighting Barnabas requires his best. More than his best, probably, but at least here the stakes are much lower. Should Joshua lose, no one else will suffer for it.
He throws up a magical shield to deflect the darkness, and from there, there's no more time for pondering. He keeps his distance from Barnabas as best he can, relying far more on his flames than the sword in his hand. His opposition is much more impressive than it was when they fought at sea, and not only because of the lower stakes. For one thing, he hasn't been exhausting himself and his resources constantly since he arrived, which could not be said of him during their travels in Valisthea. And beyond that, he has felt just a bit less chest-crushing agony from the scarring wound there than he's used to. One supposes that Ultima removing himself from confinement could only have been to Joshua's benefit, if somehow he could have put the act's lethality aside. Now that his inner reserves are no longer bent on keeping Ultima contained, they can be put to use sustaining him instead.
And perhaps his pride's injury pushes him to prove himself, a bit. Just a bit.
It's not long before the challenge forces him to dig deeper and semi-prime to keep up. Sparkling fire practically consumes the training grounds, its heat and radiance more than noticeable well beyond the area's boundaries - noticeable, at least, wherever the suffocating darkness doesn't snuff them out.
Eventually, as was inevitable, Joshua tires. A well-timed blow from the king knocks him to the ground, and just as he's pushing himself back to his feet, his lungs betray him. On his hands and knees, he can do nothing but endure until the coughing fit has passed, and in the meantime the Phoenix subsides and the ground beneath him stains with his blood. Should Barnabas wish to finish him off, he's certainly presenting a tempting opportunity - but he refuses to die with his head bowed. The moment he can breathe again, he lifts it to meet the king's steely gaze without fear or surrender, even as he catches his breath.
Even as well as Joshua fought, Barnabas proved his dominance. Again.
no subject
Still, that was not enough to penetrate his defenses, even in this weakened form. A man of his raw experience and battle readiness is not wont to find himself bested by a man nearly a third his age, and certainly not one that has such finite strength to fight. All the same, he held his own until he couldn't, which is more than he would say for most. Most fall to his blade, to his unforgiving and meticulous strikes. Likewise, he is not wont to befall the strikes of others, his footwork impeccable as he watches, reads, and reacts to every attack.
Parrying, evading, countering.
As Phoenix's exertions catch up with him, bringing him to his knees, Barnabas stalks forth, halberd in hand. Bringing the blade to his throat as he gazes down to meet the burning defiant stare that would clash with the unfeeling coldness of his own.
"Is this all you are, Phoenix? A flickering and fleeting flame, flirting with the very wind that would serve to snuff out its life." His brow furrows, his mouth pulling into a slight smirk as he speaks.
"What hope have you when your body buckles beneath your hubris?"
Then he dissolves the halberd in mist as he sends it away. It would seem he has no interest in public executions today.
no subject
"You know nothing of what I am. A flame may flicker, but so long as its embers remain, it can be reignited again and again. You speak of hope, yet you are no longer capable of understanding it. Any words I might use to answer your question would be wasted. Cast into the void, just as you have done to yourself."
His brows lift to see the spear vanish, but he's hardly one to look a gift horse in the mouth. He pushes himself to his feet, wiping his lips with the back of his glove. "Why came you here, King of Waloed? Is this all you wanted - to best me yet again? Your prowess with the blade is unmatched, aye; but there is far more to life than that. Would that you were able to see it."
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He holds his cold scowl leveled at him for a long moment, his eyes studying him.
"What care you for that which I can see? For what purpose life does serve for me? Feigned sympathy is wasted on your enemy, as is ill-placed pity. I have no need for either, nor less from a wretched creature who delights in the chains of consciousness which only serve to bind and strangle him of his true purpose."
Which doesn't answer why he came here, but that does not matter. At least he thinks so.
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But for all his talk of having no need for any of this, Barnabas is still standing here, and Joshua would know why. "If you didn't approach to kill me, then what is it that you're after?"
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"If you know as much as you claim, then you should well be aware your death by my hand has never been my goal." With that stated, black mist and aether roils around his feet, clearly he intends to teleport away unless a reason to stay presents itself.
"Only fools answer every question they are asked. Become strong, Phoenix, lest I humiliate you again."
no subject
Yet another reason Joshua doesn't believe this is an afterlife: what kind of cruel cosmos would let a man continue in the state Barnabas is in beyond the veil?
That final jab gets a fierce glare in response, but no more words. Become strong. That's what Joshua has been trying to do all this time ever since Phoenix Gate, yet still it is not enough. And if strength does not suffice...what if there was something he could have done to help Barnabas remember himself, back then? Should the flames of healing and renewal not possess such power, to aid in renewing one's heart and will as well as flesh?
He watches the king vanish in a miniature storm of black and red, showing none of this conflict on his face. The next time he sees Barnabas Tharmr, he will not make such a poor showing. One way or another.