uhmani | TDM #14

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 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 new inhabitants 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 nearly 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.

THE SEXY COMPENDIUM

Upon arrival to Amani, new inhabitants will be notified almost immediately of the sexy compendium that's uploaded to their DTF! This compendium lists all of the flora, fauna, unique geography, and miscellaneous items in Amani that might be worth looking at.

This database will update with seasonal highlights or places and items that might follow a theme! For example, the current theme is love for Valentine's Day and dragons for The Year of The Dragon!

While established inhabitants already know about all these things, it can't hurt to be reminded of what this simulated afterlife has to offer!

The Dragon Onsen

outdoor pool

dragon statue

blue tint

They suddenly look a lot more draconic than they did before.

Heart Jellies

jellyfish shaped like hearts

Wyverns

Taasunni Beach, and can range far into the Aditus Grasslands

Love Blossoms

gorgeous, pink flowers

pheromones

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.

Sexy Stamp Card

Issued by: The Peacekeeper

1 2 3 4 ♡

6 7 8 9 ♡

❤

<div style="width:100%;padding:10px 10px 0;font-family:garamond, georgia, serif;font-size:20px;font-style:italic;letter-spacing:2px;text-align:left;">Sexy Stamp Card</div>
<div style="width:100%;padding:0 10px 10px;">Issued by: The Peacekeeper</div>

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<div style="max-width:300px;width:100%;margin:-10px auto 0;text-align:right;font-size:10px;"><a title="code credit!" href="http://10billionghosts.dreamwidth.org" style="text-decoration:none;color:#eee;">❤</a></div>

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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

★ Feel free to check out the sexy compendium and also use whatever is listed there as you like! What's mentioned on the TDM are just suggestions and not only what's available! We want interested players to be able to make their own fun with what Amani has to offer and not feel limited to just the prompts provided here.

★ We are currently at 24/40 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

F.A.Q. ★ RULES ★ CHARACTER CLAIM ★ LOCATIONS ★ MAIN NAVIGATION

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Dion did not do this, he'd honestly find such an accusation rather insulting! He ever tries to be a man of principle and integrity, even if he does not feel like he has much of either some days. Not specifically because of Amani, but it's also not not because of it either? It's complication. Either way, he would not blame a newcomer for not fully coming to understand the nature of this place and the nefarious ways it attempts to "persuade" the residents to engage in these "peaceful" interactions.

He had resisted it for quite a while himself, or attempted to. However, he's decided to make peace with it.

With that pointed look shot his way, Dion slows his gait, his own expression hardening for a moment at the silent accusation, before his eyes travel upward towards the tree Zelgadis stands under.

Oh.

Oh no.

Dion's gaze snaps back to Zelgadis, his expression softening as he speaks. Clearly he's trying to be friendly here.]

You need not be alarmed, I mean you no harm. [Don't worry about the halberd he carries, that's purely for defense against the monsters that roam about. With his free hand, he gestures for Zelgadis to come to him. You know. Away from the fuck-tree?]

I am Dion Lesage, would it be remiss of me to assume you are but newly arrived?

[reflexively, Zel's hand is doing that grope-around-for-sword-that-isn't-there thing at his hip, the failure of which irritates him almost as much as this guy's way-too-handsome whole situation does.

so, what: he's dead, everyone else is attractive, and he's still a third a rock? and for what.

at the sound of assurances, his gaze hardens (like emotionally, it's already rocks). being suspicious is just natural in these circumstances, right!]

...Guess that's obvious. [his tone's a bit flat, reluctant to be completely open about how completely out of the loop he is here.]

If you don't mean any harm, what do you mean?

[Dion watches without judgment as Zelgadis reaches for a sword that doesn't exist. Once more, he cannot blame the man given the circumstances, nor can he blame his continued suspicion.]

To inform, mostly. For example, that tree you have taken post under—it has a rather compromising effect on us. If you feel strange at all, I would greatly advise you put some distance between it and yourself.

[There's a reason Dion stopped his approach, and it isn't only because of Zelgadis. However, he does take a moment to really take in the visuals of this stranger, of the greyish-blue skin, of the formations of...stone? He suspects that's stone upon his features. There's also the elongated ears.

Is he perhaps some kind of elf, like Mithrun? He's not certain. Part of him wonders if the stone is like that of the Crystal's Curse, but it's likely tasteless to ask, so he doesn't.

Instead, he keeps that friendly expression, a continued assurance of good will.]

Forgive me, but I did not catch your name.

[Hint, hint, introduce yourself you grumpy rock.]

Edited 2024-02-15 03:29 (UTC)

[the tree?

Zel flicks a furtive glance up at some of the cotton candy-colored branches overhead before refocusing on the stranger. Dion Lesage practically screams nobility of some sort, doesn't it? like out of Kalmaart or Seyruun...

tree. compromising effects? Zel's head tilts just slightly with inquiry, but the moment the stupid little blue critter starts to pipe up, he shifts to turn himself to face the stranger fully.

no chance of hiding his face, so distance is all he has as a buffer, tree or no tree.]

Zelgadis. [but that aside:] The tree is poisonous?

A pleasure to make your acquaintance.

[For a moment, his eyes shift to the little blue creature, but he assumes that's likely his DTF. His observation doesn't last, because Zelgadis' next question pulls him back and he's left dealing with the fact he has to explain what he means. With more of his face in view, he keeps his composure trained and appropriate, looking at him as he would anyone else who was not adorned in stone.

Dion was a prince, after all, he knows how to act accordingly.

He really doesn't like talking about this stuff, especially so openly, and to a stranger, but he will. It's the least he can do to help this newcomer understand what's going on.

If his face seems to redden just slightly, no it didn't.]

Ah, you see much of Amani seeks to...inspire us towards more lascivious behavior, and that tree is but one of many such spurs placed to motivate that end. So, I would not name it poisonous exactly, but one could name it that all the same.

[pretty up the explanation all he may try, it still translates to smarmy nonsense. and in this case? say less. at spurs, Zel moves to get out from under the tree's shade, still keeping himself at a fair distance from Dion; the man won't have to shout to converse, but there'll be no leaning in for a handshake as of yet.]

This is a pretty stupid setup for an afterlife. I don't see the point.

[The distance upheld isn't surprising to Dion, the man has made it clear he is wary of him and slow to trust, but that he takes his warning to heart and moves away from the infernal tree is a comfort. Really, for both Zelgadis' and Dion's dignity, they hardly need the former to be horned up while he's trying to assist him.

He's dealt with that once before. It was awkward and awful, and he truly does not wish for a sequel.]

If you believe it to be such, I would agree. Though, I have my doubts towards such claims. That in itself is an undertaking to explain, but to keep it simple: hold fast your scrutiny, particularly towards aught this place attempts to peddle as truth.

[As he talks, he gestures with his free hand, his brows worrying together a touch, creasing a single line between them.]

It is in our captor's interest that we believe that which they deign to share, and I am not wont to trust in the benevolence of those that would entrap us so.

As for its point, well, there seems to be some measure of good we can harness through our cooperation, but to what end that truly leads... It is hard to say.

[as Dion speaks, Zel plants his hands on his hips and tilts his head just slightly, scrutinizing. this guy is verbose as hell... at least it's useful verbosity and not, like, Amelia's brand of orating.

flatly, trying to not sound too embarrassed about it:] All the "good" that's been spat at me so far is the kind of crap I'd hear getting pushed at an island resort than...whatever the hell's going on here. Are you saying there's some progress to be made to get the hell out of here?

Leaving? Well, I do not know if our captors intend to ever free us. Oft do masters scant desire to find themselves bereft of their slaves, and for all the perfunctory decor and frivolity this gaol of ours offers and is adorned, we are certainly that.

[His expression tightens for a moment, the thought of it stinging a little, even if he's well known their place here, even if others might not see it as such. It's only a moment, then it returns to that softer expression from before. One of confidence and certainty, regardless of how earned it may or may not be. As he places the butt of his halberd to the ground like one might rest a staff, he speaks again.]

Through our efforts we have been capable of saving worlds that were lost or nearly so, but even then it was through our coerced labors. Still, should our wardens bid we remain, it does not mean we cannot fight to break free of our shackles.

Saving them, you said. Even though apparently anyone here is from a lost one, right?

Correct. I... do not fully understand it myself, but there are two worlds we are capable of visiting outside of the simulation, which is proof of such efforts. It seems what we do here does indeed impact reality—restoring it in some way.

[He gives Zelgadis a sympathetic smile.]

Though, I imagine this is all rather much for you. Have you found a residence by chance? Perhaps someone you are acquainted might be here as well.

Edited 2024-02-15 20:32 (UTC)

["rather much" is an understatement... Zel's mouth presses into a pensive, thin line. it's hard to appear unbothered or at peace with any of this, but it's not his style to get too outwardly antsy. rather, he'd just...pick a direction and go!

but he has no idea where to go.

he mutely shakes his head at mention of residence, but goes still when there's talk of acquaintances. his stony brow lifts a bit.]

...What do you mean?

Sometimes those from your world will be plucked from the aether and brought here much as you have. There are a handful of others here from my own world, though I was one of the first to arrive.

[He pauses a moment, his expression betraying that he clearly wants to say something about that. Something about one of them, but he chooses to smooth his expression and move on.

Any warning about Barnabas can come later.]

Which stands to reason you may likewise have companions here. Say, perchance, know you a man named Mithrun?

[Someone will have to tell Dion he can't assume everyone with elongated ears knows each other.]

Edited 2024-02-15 20:55 (UTC)

[the notion makes Zel's heart jump - more than he'd care to admit, were he made to. he cares about his friends, okay?! no need to make a thing out of it...

sentiment aside, if Lina were here, that could make this easier. she's a pain in the ass, but she's also something of a genius pain in the ass.

'Mithrun', though? he doesn't mean mithril, like...the ore...?

with a gentle shake of his head:] Not off the top of my head. But is Lina Inverse around?

I see. My apologies for assuming.

[Well, that's unfortunate, and perhaps he feels slightly odd for assuming such. Oh well... Though, the name "Lina Inverse" being presented to him, he merely shakes his head at.]

I fear I do not know anyone by that name. However, it does not mean this friend of yours hasn't appeared. Do you know how to utilize your companion there?

[Dion's dark amber colored eyes flick to Zelgadis' blue spikey companion. That's probably his DTF, he reckons.]

...

[...]

...This thing?

[it's not a companion! they aren't friends! Zel's never played a video game in his life!!!]

[Like Dion has??

He nods, then he taps one of his earrings and in a flash it forms into a silver scaled little dragon with a green underbelly. It maintains itself in the air as it looks between the two, but its gaze is impassve and imperceptible, cold really.

Honestly, he's got some bitchy vibes to him for real.]

Yes, these are our aids, so to speak. They can portray missives to others through the recipient's "DTF"s, as they are called. I...still do not fully grasp how it works, but it exists on something referred to as "the network".

For my part, I mostly speak with Étienne here, and he handles the rest.

[...huh... he doesn't want to be impressed by the tech, but since Zel is a bit of a fucking nerd...]

Like...channeling magic through a familiar or contract stone? But not for spells, just to communicate?

[Dion nods.]

From whence I hail, we used owls possessed of a third eye named Stolases. They would carry messages stored within their mind through a manner of aether channeling, only accessible by the intended. This is a touch more advanced than that, admittedly, given that our companions need not leave our side to communicate to one another.

[He looks to Étienne with a touch of fondness, while the dragonet looks otherwise uninterested.]

Be it our voices, writing, or even our image—they are capable of delivering it.

[meanwhile the nameless blue spiky thing peers up with watery, hopeful eyes. please love me.

Zelgadis continues ignoring it while considering the dragonling.]

Useful...I mean, if people are now spanning entire worlds, like you said. How does it work?

That is where my understanding falls embarrassingly short. I imagine it is some method of magic, relying upon aetheric means of transference or somesuch. Something which we cannot see, at any rate. Though, if you simply mean how it appears when in use, I could demonstrate.

[As he turns his attention back to Zelgadis, he does notice the sad display of the hedgehog. As he speaks, he nods towards the pathetic blue spikeball.]

Oh, it seems your attention is desired.

Edited 2024-02-15 22:00 (UTC)

I know how to channel magic. [he frowns, fixing the look down toward his feet and the thing.] So what are the power words you need to chant to make it happen? Is there a sequence?

[He takes note how Zel seems fit to ignore his DTF. How odd, though he will press on.]

Nothing so specific as that, everyone seems to possess their own method. Also, you need not channel any magic yourself. It proves capable on its own. Here—Étienne, call Zelgadis.

[At the command, the dragonet opens its mouth and... the distinct sound of a phone ringing can be heard from it—and Zelgadis' own DTF should be getting the call.]

[on cue, the critter bristles, the ringing sound apparently only by the way its little quills quiver - the noise itself is in Zel's head.

he, too, bristles.]

...That easy? [weird.] What's the catch? [because it's in 'too good to be true' territory, honestly.]

You can stop now. [He instructs his DTF, petting it along its long neck as it cuts off the call via closing its mouth. Then he looks to Zel.]

Catch? Well, I do not know, really. If there is one, that is. Thus far it has proven useful—well, I suppose if you count the fact they have a mind of their own at times. Sometimes they may speak for you, even without your involvement or will at play.

[Étienne does this often to poor Dion. He really doesn't try to do much on the network unless it's necessary, his dragonet on the other hand...]

Though, that does seem to depend on the DTF. Some are more obedient than others.

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