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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
They do light up very vaguely at the question, though, a faint glint in their eyes, and a small smile. Testament does enjoy discussing the ins and outs of magic. "Ah, this? Magic doesn't have distinct categories on Earth, but I've come to call it blood magic. It is a manipulation of my very life force, supplied by nigh endless energy from my rate of regeneration. I am, ah- magical by nature. It is my being."
Not naturally of course. But that's neither here nor there.
no subject
"Oh, I know quite a few wizards that would absolutely hate that," said with a touch of glee. A beat, and then he gestures to Testament themself. "The lack of categories and your innate power, that is. You seem lovely, but I think perhaps the scholarly sort are a touch too wrapped up in their insistence on those sorts of things. Not to mention the sanguine arts are... an esoteric sort of study."
no subject
"Wizards? Ah, how interesting. Are they commonplace in your world?" Testament appears to perk up at Astarion's mention and further explanation of his standard of magic. They tilt their head and nod thoughtfully.
"Blood magic is esoteric, is it? So you say there are others where you come from that...Have magic like my own?" That is a very strange thought, to the Gear. For so long their powers were seen as a unique abberation. They wonder if there might be something to learn from all this. Untold possibilities come with being in a crossroads of worlds. "I did not need to study to reach my power. When I awoke, reborn against my will, I merely had to tap into the new instincts. That being said, I became curious about the hows and whys later, and pursued all manner of magical study in a bid to understand how I worked. Alas, my forays into dimensional magic did not bear fruit towards that, but I certainly learned some invaluable skills."
They also took countless lives. But that's not a detail they particularly wish to mention to anyone.
"Were you a practitioner of magic yourself? Clearly not among the ranks of wizards, were I to guess."
no subject
"Not by any applicable means. All elves have some connection to magic by the nature of being, well, elves. It's nothing I have honed to any degree. I much prefer the cut of a blade to the scorch of a firebolt." Astarion gives a good-natured shrug about the whole thing. He's used to the oddities of mages at this point, so Testament's explanation doesn't bother him. Except for one small detail.
"You said you were reborn against your will," Astarion seems to hold his breath a moment, despite not needing to breathe at all. There's a flicker of something in his eyes, something that softens the sharpness of those dagger-point crimsons. "I'm truly sorry. I know that pain all too well."
no subject
That softness in his eyes is duly noted by Testament, and what Astarion says following somehow manages to catch them by even greater surprise. Someone who can relate with them. Against their usual restraint, the Gear shows shock, brows raised and eyes wide, mouth ever so slightly agape. They shake their head, long black locks flying about when they catch themselves slipping, and return to their generally stoic visage.
"You...Can relate? My conundrum is rather unique in the world I come from." Then again, so was blood magic. Perhaps the impossible idea of ever relating to someone is less impossible than they thought when put on the scale of multiple worlds. It is oddly comforting. Have they felt comfort in a while in any context? "I dare not pry or be nosy having just met you, but I am nevertheless surprised. It is a difficult road to tread. Especially when such a road has no end in sight."
no subject
"An endless one, really. Shy of truly fatal injuries, and well, the damned sunlight again, not much else threatens my existence. No road is more difficult to tread than one without an end, as you say." The hand over his heart then gestures to Testament, and Astarion leans himself in a way that could only be cautious curiosity.
"You needn't pry. I'd simply tell you, but only if you answer me something honestly: what do you know of vampires?"
no subject
They purse their lips at the question. "Vampires..." they murmur thoughtfully, considering. "Where I come from, they're rather popular in media. Beings needing blood to survive, immortal...the real things are known as the Nightless. I've had passing encounters with one, who managed to master blood magic along with ancient swordsmanship. He conducts himself very proudly. The other I hear tell of is a high-up assassin, and an absolute gentleman."
They click their tongue, before continuing. "The Nightless, however, have no troubles with sunlight. Not like the vampires of novels or film. Nagoriyuki would stroll about in the light without a care in the world."
no subject
But the way Testament speaks of them, like they're people, and not monsters, does reassure him. He's not dealing with a hunter then, that's for sure.
"Yes, well, unfortunately most fiction is based at least somewhat in fact. Myths are so rarely uniquely inspired. A pity. I'd simply love to be less this and more of these Nightless ones. It's something unheard of for my kind; vampires, that is." Astarion lays a hand over his unbeating heart, and the other gestures to Testament.
"I do hope that admittance doesn't startle you too much, my dear. But you must understand I could not simply say it aloud until I knew the wooden stakes wouldn't be making an appearance. Unfortunately, revealing one's self as a vampire to most from my world would be a lot of trouble."