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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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Joshua smiles reassuringly. "Fortunately, we already have found such a way - it was during our fight to expunge the last traces of magic from the land and bring down the god who would destroy us that I met my own end. But I know that my brother shall see it finished, and usher in a new age for all."
He leans forward a little, then. "Then your reality suffers from a similar problem, and stranger ones besides. In Valisthea, the elements were kept in balance by eikons and the Dominants who embodied them. What causes your Blight, and your aetheric imbalance?"
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A gentle expression blossoms on that youthful face. It speaks of warmth, of comfort, and of a delicate beauty. Holding out a palm, several dozen tiny sparks of light emerge and float into the air. They flit between the two of them, each with its own independent motion.
"The Aetherial Sea is a name given by those who live in the current age to what lies at the heart of our world. It is indeed what one would call our afterlife, but it is far more than that. All in our realm is aether, both tangible and intangible. The land, the body, even the mind and soul - all are comprised of this energy. When the body falls, its aether will eventually return to the land. But the soul?"
He lifts his hand, and the sparks dance, each glowing softly. Elidibus smiles at the memory, having crafted these to be as reminiscent of the real place. His voice gentles now, clearly fond.
"In death it returns there, to rest. To have what experiences gained in life slowly washed away, cleansed until the individual is born anew - another life, to make new memories. To love, to live, as is the nature of our Star. The name is one I quite enjoy, in fact. Like these imitations, each soul appears a star upon its own journey, breathtakingly beautiful as it travels where they will. The Sea teems with life, just as the Star itself upon the surface."
A wave, and the sparks begin to fade, all but one. It flickers towards Joshua, almost curious in how it weaves and bobs around his hands, his fingers. After a few more playful moments, it too dissipates. But now comes a darker turn, to tell of the fate of his world.
"My world is broken. Though it lives - shall live, now, for as long as the mortal races serve as its steward - it has forever changed since my people walked the surface. Recall that Calamity I spoke of, how my people were shattered? The End Days were averted, yes, but the events to follow..." he sighs, heavily. "In the end, our Star's reality was shattered. There was the Source, yes, but so, too were there now thirteen reflections. Every life, every soul - the very star itself - divided into fourteen equal, but far lesser portions. For every division were they exponentially reduced."
One hand comes to rest upon his chest, "My people, once immortal, were no more. They held no memory of the lives they once lived, had no powers akin to our own, and for a time even forgot language. All but myself and two others, who managed to escape but for the talents of one of them." Emet-Selch, preventing the sundering of himself and Lahabrea. "All else was Sundered."
"Of these reflections, one eventually came to fall to Darkness, the polarity tipping beyond salvaging. Another suffered from a flood of Light, halted just before it could consume the remainder of that shard. They have pulled from the brink, and rebuild even now - I fully believe they will return balance to their home entirely. The Star itself, the Source, remains in balance. The duty to keep it so falls now to the mortal races, as the last of us have entrusted it to be so."
Having spoken at length he now swallows, smiling apologetically.
"My apologies for going on as I have. I do hope that answers a fair few of your questions."
no subject
He watches those little sparks weave and frolic in the air with a small smile of delight. He lifts a hand when they come near as if he might touch them, as he listens to Elidibus speak.
"Your description of aether is familiar enough - indeed, in my world we refer to an ambient excess of it as an 'aetherflood,' with similar aquatic metaphor. And I wonder...when such an aetherflood occurs, anything living therein becomes saturated until it reaches a state we call 'akashic.' Reduced to an aggressive, mindless thing with far too much strength and far too little self. Perhaps the akashic are the result of a process like the one you describe - such a process isn't meant for living souls still housed in material forms, which I imagine is why it would go terribly wrong."
The single spark left that comes to dance and play with him makes Joshua laugh quietly, enchanted. But he sobers soon enough, as the Ancient goes on.
Lives, souls, entire realms ripped apart into pieces and diminished so thoroughly...it's a wonder Elidibus can speak of it so calmly at all. And yet, it isn't entirely unlike what appeared to have been the state of Ultima's people, or rather, the beings that were all precise copies of each other. As Ultima gathered them all together and fused them, he became exponentially more powerful, judging by the unimaginable density of his aether the more he progressed.
But the Ultima collective was able to separate and reunite at will, and it seems that this Sundering was far more permanent, far grander in scale, and far less controlled. Still, more similarities exist - 'shards' drowned in one element or another to the exclusion of all else, like the Mothercrystals. And when the powerful immortals departed the realm, it fell to mortals to maintain it without them. Curious.
It's apparent on Joshua's face that the gears in his mind are turning just like one of Mid's complex inventions all the while during Elidibus' tale. Thus, the apology is actually a little jarring. "Please, do not apologize. All that you have told me is fascinating, and it seems there may be more similarities between your star and mine than simply the way their aether flows. You have indeed answered many questions, and raised just as many." He smiles slightly. "Which is no bad thing."
Then, turning more serious again, he says, "But the fate of your people and your home...I cannot even imagine how devastating it all must have been for you and these two others who were left. And yet, your star lives on. I hope that has at least helped your heart to heal."
no subject
Still, that the terminology is similar - and the effects - takes this one a step closer than the others.
"What you describe is not dissimilar to a phenomenon in my own world, that is currently known as 'tempering.' One's aether is overwhelmed and set out of balance in favor of outside influence, and thus one is driven to follow the will of that influence. In time, that balance may be reversed - or fully tipped into total corruption. A summoned being of fire, for instance, may temper those around it - aspect their nature towards its own, and thus they become slaves to the desires of that being. Summoned creations such as these are known as Primals, beings brought about by an offering of crystals and prayer. But the will of the summoner influences the desire of the being, and thus creatures such as Ifrit, Garuda, or Titan are indeed twisted from the root of their legend. Shiva, another of these, was once a living individual, whose memory may now be used to summon forth that Primal."
Joshua is a good listener, and Elidibus is happy to speak further. He's rather enjoying their conversation, in fact, and immediately decides that he likes this man. Many times when he converses with another, they grow weary of the length of his words. THe other Ancients do not, of course, but the mortals here... He knows he appears strange to them. But there is a kinship with this red-haired youth that he feels, and he smiles as he speaks.
The animated discussion grows grave, however. Despite the plain way he speaks of his own tragedies, it does affect him still. Better to communicate this fact.
He looks upwards, at the library around them, "Do not mistake my way of explanation for a lack of emotion. The loss remains, has done so for the last twelve thousand years. It is only through sheer strength of will and my natural disposition to remain calm that I function as well as I do." His eyes glance to meet Joshua's, a smile tugging at his lips. "That, and the support of those I love, even those who no longer remain."
A sigh now, heavy but not sad.
"You are correct. The story is immense, thousands of years in the making, and incredibly complex, but every detail had to be just so in order for our star to be saved. For the source of our End Days to be uncovered, then destroyed - not just averted as my people did, though we did not know the reason why it began. For that, I have no regrets. Etheirys will live on, and my people may rest at long last."
Now he gestures around the library, breaking into an amused chuckle, "At least, until we found ourselves here."
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"Reversed or fully tipped into total corruption...how might one reverse such a thing? And what marks the difference between a being that is merely tempered and 'total corruption'?" Research and common wisdom both in Valisthea claim that coming back from an Akashic state is impossible - but if it's true that the process is similar to this tempering, then perhaps what works in Elidibus' world may have some effect on those turned back home.
At the names of these Primals, his brows lift in recognition. "What you call Primals, we call Eikons, but to my knowledge it has never been possible to summon them on their own, and their legends only exist in concert with the Dominants who have hosted them."
Elidibus speaks of loss, and will, and calm, and Joshua nods, solemn. "While I certainly have not endured any burden for nearly that long, I understand. However empty the days may seem, we must gather our courage and move forward, and hold fast to the memories that can keep us strong in the face of despair."
Joshua lets out an amused breath, as well. "And here, many of the dangers and evils of our home worlds no longer loom quite so large over our futures - or that is my understanding at this moment, at least.
no subject
"As the shift towards a specific element progresses past a certain point, the tempered individual may undergo transformation of the body. Those who experience such a phenomenon are unable to be reverted to their previous forms, and as such I have not observed that sort of reversal." It was still new to those upon the Star as it was, only recently discovered. In Ancient times, their robust bodies and souls - along with the wards they may place upon themselves, would help to prevent such corruption.
Summoning a sphere of emerald green light, Elidibus demonstrates as he next speaks. "See the spot of red upon its surface?" he rotates it so Joshua may see. It is a dark red, pulsating, overlaid onto the green. As he watches, the entire orb gets a faint red tint to it. "Imagine this sphere as the soul, as the mind. The crimson is the tempering influence, the intrusive element - the intrusive will. See how the entire orb is effected? That is the outside will thrust upon the individual, robbing them of their own choices. It may be more or less intense depending on the entity invoking the tempering, some create almost mindless subjects, while others allow for far more freedom in choices enacted. However, over time..."
Elidibus trails off, and eventually the red consumes the green, causing it to change shape. The sphere distorts, growing points and edges.
"But this may not always be so," and now the orb returns to the previous state, still green with that red tint. "If we re-balance the aether of the individual through a steady infusion, typically of an element opposing the intruding force..." a blue orb appears next to the first. As Joshua watches, a steady stream of blue energy flows from it to the green orb, causing that red tint to first fade, then the crimson splotch to disappear entirely. Energy transfer complete, the flow stops, and the orbs rotate peacefully for a few moments before disappearing.
"I do hope that demonstration was sufficient."
The name, Eikon, is similar. But there is where their similarities stop, it seems. Specific individuals providing host, rather than summoning, rather than truth becoming legend and false myth. Still, it interests him, that differing worlds can be so similar.
Joshua speaks of hope, and Elidibus smiles.
"You appear to be correct. I myself consider this place to be a second chance, or sorts. I am myself, present with several of my people whom I love dearly. That alone brings me to think of this place fondly. All else can be adjusted, so long as we remain here together."
no subject
It's Joshua's turn to smile, then, if only for a moment. "A second chance...it sounds too good to be true, but I myself have benefited in this way, as well. I suppose we are merely left to wonder how long such a boon can last, and who else is benefiting from it in ways we cannot fathom." A pause. "Ah - forgive me, I do not mean to cast shadows upon your happiness."
no subject
Elidibus shakes his head, sighing. "There is no way to know what would work on your world, at least, not while we are in this place. With such a convergence of realities, it would not be an authentic representation of what may happen in yours."
When Joshua apologizes, Elidibus waves it off. He sees no need for it, considering the subjects they've spoken of. In comparison to tempering or this becoming 'akashic,' the suspicions surrounding the simulation are tame.
He smiles. "There is naught to forgive, but I shall forgive you all the same. In taking advantage of these boons, I find my happiness, but know full well that not all is as it seems. Both may exist at the same time - my suspicions regarding our 'gaolers,' as well as finding a measure of love and care in this place." Speaking off...
"Perhaps this may be bold, but is there any here you care for in a similar manner? Or may yet find in this place?"
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His brows lift at Elidibus' question and then he smiles. "As a matter of fact, my brother is here." But the Ancient spoke of the love of his eternity, and Joshua suspects that's more of what Elidibus meant - otherwise, he wouldn't have prefaced it the way he did.
Joshua glances off and up into the sky, his gaze turning slightly smitten. "And...there is another. A dear friend, whose warm eyes have ever carried so much sorrow. If this place can grant him a measure of peace, then perhaps joy may find him as well. Earnestly would I treasure the chance to be a part of it."
no subject
Oh, Joshua's brother is here? That is good to hear - have such a bond present is a boon indeed. And yet more than that, he watches the other man's face as he speaks of another. Another with whom he clearly does not bear a familial relationship with, no, the look upon his face is something else entirely.
He understands those feelings very well.
His voice softens, gentling, "Then I would speak your truth as earnestly as you have to me. Those same words have crossed my mind towards my beloved Erichthonios, and remain true. Take this opportunity with both hands, and do not allow it to escape - and you may both yet find such happiness that neither of you have known."
Thinking of his own time with Erich, Elidibus smiles. The two of them make quite a pair in this library, smitten looks upon their faces as they think of those whom they are besotted with.
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His wistful gaze returns to Elidibus at those gentle words. Seize the opportunity...Joshua likes to think he's become fairly adept at seizing opportunities when they arise, knowing well how little time he's had to do all that he has wished. And yet...
"I want to, with all that I am. But I am uncertain that he is yet ready to hear it. He has been through so many ordeals in such a short time, experienced the crumbling of his entire world into scattered pieces around him. The last thing I wish to do is add to the maelstrom of emotion that surely must rage in his heart."
Not to mention that Sanbreque is infamous for a culture that prizes conformity, appearances, and privacy. Dion would not thank him for prying too much too quickly beneath the princely exterior, he thinks - and if he were to put voice to his feelings, Dion would likely feel obliged to do the same, no matter what those feelings were or how difficult they might be to speak of.
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"Love need not be flame and fervor, though passion no doubt springs to mind at first. Love may be gentle, steady, the slow warmth of the hearthfire. Do not declare yourself with grand deeds or heroic words, instead, be the quiet he may need. The calm for his storm, the steady foundation upon which he may shore himself up," by the way he speaks, it is clear Elidibus is talking of first-hand experiences. "Be there, show your care in every word and deed, and do not balk or shy should your hands brush. Do not allow him to think you feel shame for it. Only smile, but do not advance further."
"When he is ready, when you both are ready, the petals will unfurl, and your love will blossom."
no subject
The mention of an unfurling flower puts a warm little smile on Joshua's face, thinking of the wyvern tail he found in Dion's tent, and the one Harpocrates gave to Dion later on.
"Yes...I believe your words to be wise, indeed. And they make me wonder whether you might be a reader of minds," he adds in amusement. "Unfurling petals and blossoming flowers hold a certain sentimental value to him, one in which I have shared, if briefly. And as for hearthfires and flames..." He gestures to Jote where she perches now on the back of his chair. "The imagery you offer is perhaps more appropriate than you could have known. I spoke of Dominants hosting Eikons. I myself am one of them - I am the Phoenix, the Dominant of Fire." He lifts a hand and fills it with his scintillating flames, letting them dance there and illuminate their little corner of the library for a moment before he closes his hand and snuffs them out.
It was difficult, back home, for Joshua to consider such gradual, long-term ways of accomplishing things or building relationships. He knew he had little time in the world, and was determined to do as much as he could with the short life he possessed. Now...well, now the advice Elidibus gives him sounds quite pleasant, indeed.
"I thank you, Elidibus, for your insight. It eases my heart to think that we may yet overcome all that has happened to us and create a future together that dwells not in the shadows."
no subject
Little does Joshua know that he and Elidibus are very similar in the respect of finally being given a chance. The Final Days had come so quickly, the world sundered before one could draw a breath. It seems that Joshua felt keenly about duty as he did, unable to grasp a future for himself in lieu of its completion.
"I believe you shall do so. Overcome what has happened and draw closer, and ultimately find a measure of peace."
Sitting back, he smiles at the other man. This meeting was fruitful indeed, for both forging friendships and gleaning information he had not previously possessed. "Had you any other questions for me? Or shall we enjoy the library together in our own ways."