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Entry tags:
TDM #15
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 fifteenth Amani TDM!
WHEN
May 22nd, 2024 (and until the next TDM!)
KINKS OF THE MONTH
★ Suspension
★ Cockwarming
★ Edging
★ Felching
★ Knotting
★ Cockwarming
★ Edging
★ Felching
★ Knotting
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 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.
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 'M' for May which means mushrooms,mermaids, and more!
While established inhabitants already know about all these things, it can't hurt to be reminded of what this simulated afterlife has to offer!
This database will update with seasonal highlights or places and items that might follow a theme! For example, the current theme is 'M' for May which means mushrooms,mermaids, and more!
While established inhabitants already know about all these things, it can't hurt to be reminded of what this simulated afterlife has to offer!
- ★ Mushroom Madness » Due to a combination of heightened humidity and rising temperatures, the fungi of the simulation are thriving. There are walking mushrooms - some even bigger than a person! - roaming about now.
And although usually a more rare occurrence, now found just about everywhere in the grasslands are a type of mushroom called changelings that typically grows in rings formations formally called 'fairy rings'. It's spores are able to physically alter both living and non-living things. Changes usually aren't immediate after stepping through a ring. Usually. Due to the current (albeit temporary) strange behavior, anyone that steps into a ring will immediately change their species.
Transformations are to closely-similar things: Humans to elves, animals to other animals, etc. In Amani, the longer you are transformed the more characters will find themselves with a slowly building insatiable lust. To reverse the transformation, usually all you need to do is wash the spores off and wait, but here there is the additional requirement: intimacy.
★ Thunderwyrms » Summer storms have been rolling through Amani lately and that means inhabitants new and old need to be on the lookout for one of the more deadly creatures of the simulation. Massive monstrous solitary worms that sleep and travel deep underground, thunderwyrms literally eat through the earth and are only drawn to the surface during storms. When they erupt from the earth, they are capable of massive destruction and then vanish without a trace. A thunderwyrm then spends its time underground digesting everything it devoured and increasing its size.
★ Mermaids » Near the coral reef in the ocean's shallows, there often swims a mermaid or two. While they were discovered to be linked mentally, they are a collective versus a hiveminded species though their leader Legion does have the ability to watch through their eyes. A kiss from a mermaid grants one a temporary aquatic adjustment of their own and ability to breathe beneath water temporarily. Though they have the instinct to drown anyone that endangers the reef, prove you mean no harm and they'll leave you be. Unless you venture into the waters at night. During the darkest hours, a separate species of mermaid swims dangerously around the reef. Although it looks like a beautiful maiden from above the waves, below her tail opens up to have a giant maw that catches fish to eat. You would be quite the treat!
★ (Docile) Daggerquills » Brightly colored bird boasting extremely tough tail feathers. Its pretty plumage is a familiar sight to the folks of it's homeland, Eos, who hunt the bird for sport. Daggerquill down is often sewn into the lining of coats and blankets for added warmth. Farmers in the region even use daggerquill droppings to rejuvenate infertile soil. It's tail feathers are sharp enough to be used as simple weapons. Attempting to battle these 8' long birds without a form of ranged weaponry is highly discouraged. ...Even if they are tasty.
Lately, an increase in population of these birds has been noted as well as a personality shift among some of them. There are quite a number of them that appear more docile than usual and would be perfect to perch nearby for a photo opportunity. So long as you don’t mean them any harm, they’ll be content to hang out and be part of your #afterlifeselfie collection.
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!
★ 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 21/40 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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The shape is strange and foreign to Ignis - nothing like any beast he's read about before. So his little frown is more curious than anything. Then again, there's only perhaps three other people who would recognize it, and he's not one of them.
"Well, it is more striking than I would have imagined for you, Marshall."
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"And what did you imagine?" A lion, Cor. Anyone would. It's literally your name.
Enkidu, for his part, preens under Ignis' praise, jumping into the air and sailing in a wide circle around the both of them. It's as he's coming back around that his form shifts once more- only this time to the size he should be. Which will be terrifying to any passersby, this massive dragon landing before the two men, wings spread and teeth bared in a threat display.
"Ah. That's more familiar." Then the glare settles on the lizard and Cor barks a sharp command. "Enough!" Which is all the order Enkidu needs to flicker back to his original size, swooping towards Cor and dropping into his lap as that belt at the last second.
"The Blademaster's pet. What drove Besithia out of Taelpar all those years ago. And tried to kill me. Then Gladio. One cannot fault it's enduring loyalty, if nothing else." And that would be precisely why he came to Cor.
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Of course, he's proven wrong soon enough with how the creature soon takes off only to arrive in proper size, which makes sense when Cor finally explains its appearance. He raises his eyebrows at the news, thinking about it - and, hold on now.
"I suppose I will have to rescind my remark about themes, but Gladio went to fight it?"
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It makes the question about Gladio a welcome distraction.
"You- wouldn't know about that at your age." He sighs a little. "Do not be too angry with him, Ignis. It was... something he needed to prove to himself. I accompanied him, assisted as best I could. I won't say he was not in danger but I will say that I would not have encouraged him if I thought him incapable of the challenge."
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There's no particularly explosive outrage, because that isn't how Ignis tends to work, of course. Just a small exhale of perhaps annoyance, and then he looks away.
"Is that related to the new scars on his face, then...? Although he did tell me about one that involved him taking a blow for Noctis. I should have pressed on the latter."
But maybe he was more impressed with the one that involved protecting Noct, so everyone can just shut up, ok.
"...I take it that he did at least emerge victorious from a place few ever emerge from at all?"
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"Less so about the fact that he nearly lost his eye for the effort. Some people... disagree with His Majesty's rule. Think him too soft." His fingers tighten on the leather in his hand once more, gaze fixed on the gem attached to it. Something softer and more vulnerable in his expression than Ignis, certainly at this age, has ever seen. "A couple of drunks wanted to start a fight with His Highness. Gladio made sure he was safe. Didn't even retaliate as I understand it."
He's not explaining this to distract from the scars Gilgamesh gave Gladio, though. Just because he knows Ignis will be proud of him and because he has fewer details to give on the others. "The other, as well as the one on his chest, were given to him by Gilgamesh, yes. As part of a test of sorts. From the first Shield to-" He only barely stops himself, turning his head to look at Ignis and knowing already that he's said too much, that Ignis will fill in those two damning words with ease. There's a grimace on his face but he lets out a breath, unable to meet those breathtaking green eyes as he finishes the sentence anyway. It's pointless not to. "-the last."
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Because if Ignis can't be, he's glad that someone else is as well.
And there has to be. There has to be someone with him, to protect him, to keep him safe. It's what he thinks, biting at his throat, even as Cor goes onto explain. To say what he's been having a sneaking suspicion of with all he's picked up from various conversations.
The handkerchief crumples in his fingers, slightly. Pristine white, all wrinkled.
"...So Gladio succeeded," he finally says, and pointedly looks away. There is no masking the look in his eyes, how his jaw tightens, but he at least still has enough pride to not want to let it be seen so easily. "I expected nothing less of him."
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What else is there to say, really? There's nothing that will make it better. Nothing that will ease his pain with that confirmation. The only thing Cor can do is give him space enough to process it and answer at least some of the questions he has.
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There's so much he wants to say. Wants to ask bout. What he can do to stop it, what he needs to sacrifice to ensure it to happen. What would he give to top something happening to Noctis? The real question is what he wouldn't. And if he can find anything from Cor...
A breath. Focus. Whatever will happen is something from home. They are not there. They are separate.
He has to use that to his advantage. And maybe...
Ignis finally stirs, finding the words. "...Noct plans on speaking with me about all that I do not know just yet, soon enough."
In other words, rather than ask Cor just yet... He will wait for Noctis.
He will trust his King.
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"You should hear it from him. He's become a remarkable king. His-" He shouldn't keep calling Regis His Majesty. That's Noctis' title now. It's something Cor know and respects, something he is so proud of Noctis for. But some part of him will always think of Regis as his King. The man he devoted his life to, his very being to.
"His father would be proud of the man he's become. We all are."
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"...I am as well. He's - so much more different now, than how I remember him in Insomnia." He takes in a breath and finally turns to look at Cor again. "But I always knew that he's incredible." Because Noctis was his prince. And he's his King.
"He is involved in the local community efforts here, actually. The Hall of Rhetoric is a place that was made and has a history of being a place where scholars and the like could debate, in its homeland, but it has changed since being constructed here. Used for the community to come together on issues. Noctis is a part of those who help ensure it runs smoothly."
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"It's good to hear he's getting involved, even if this is not Lucis- or even Eos for that matter." Though he shakes his head at the mention of this Hall of Rhetoric. "It sounds like the sort of place I never want to step foot into."
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So Cor can be a hermit if he wants to and languish away in depression. That's fine.
Although... As they walk, Brandt tucked away in Ignis's own pocket, he does.. have to wonder about some things. Things that maybe he should say, or perhaps shouldn't. He's still trying to figure out where the line is. "...Relationships have changed since I think even you last saw all of us," he starts up, after a few minutes of walking and thought. "Besides simply Noctis and the Chancellor."
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"I'm well aware of you and Gladiolus if that's what you mean." He did, after all, help Gladio get his shit together after their break up. The impact this place may have had on their relationships doesn't even occur to him, however. There were a lot of things the robot went over and the mentions of intimacy and, well, the blatant discussion of sex were dismissed before he'd even fully registered them.
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This Ignis hasn't had a chance to grow so bold, so being called out so blatantly brings a dusting of pink upon his cheeks. "I suspected you were," he manages to say regardless, voice steady even if his stupid face betrays him.
"But - other relationships as well, which developed while here." Alright. He knows he has broken so much of his education and training and probably ethics on this, but - "Myself and Noctis, for example."
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He has suspicions of where Ignis is going, there are few enough people whose relationships with him would warrant telling Cor about. So when he says Noctis' name he's not surprised but there is a flash of something pained in his eyes, there and gone in the span of heartbeats. Good for them. That they have found this place that, whatever else it may be, has given them the space and peace enough to let them care for one another is a comfort.
"Then I suppose Noctis and Gladiolus as well." He nods slightly, following the train of thought to its inevitable conclusion. "Prompto.... he and Noctis as well?" He's less sure if those two had something going on before the Crown City fell but it's more an uncertainty of if either of them ever said anything honestly about it rather than whether or not they acted on it. He'd been the one to put Prompto through an ever more intensive speed run of Crownsguard etiquette than Cor himself had gotten. Some marks are unmistakable, especially on such fair skin.
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But this is just... It's so matter of fact.
"It isn't my place to say," Ignis says slowly, brow knit together a bit. And that is true. Their relationships are their relationships, no matter if he is dating all three other men. "...Is that all?"
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"Were this the Insomnia you know I would have plenty to say about propriety and decorum." His gaze drifts back up to the blue sky overhead. "But it is not and your lives will only grow more and more difficult going forward. We no longer live in a world where one can afford to let-" A more obvious grimace this time and he has to clear his throat again. "Let these things go unsaid."
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No.
He doesn't.
"...I'm glad to hear that, then." Ignis looks away with a wry smile. "I wasn't looking forward to that potential argument. Because even with propriety and decorum in place... If there's anything of mine that I can give him to make him happy, then I will do it without question, as many times as need be."
He's always felt that. And he'll never stop feeling that.
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"I know you will." For however much it will ache to see those beautiful eyes go pale and milky it is not something that Cor would ever dare to discourage. "I'm sure he does too."
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From the very first day he met Noct, had his hand held by two soft ones heralded by a bright smile, he'd already known that he would give anything for him. A seed at first, but, even through their minor trials and tribulations, it's only grown stronger and stronger, more vivid and stalwart than anything.
Ten years - probably more than that - in the future. How much deeper have those roots grown? Deeper than bone.
Deeper than anything else.
But asking Cor about it would just draw up old wound, he thinks, at least for him, and his curiosity isn't so pressing as to ask about it. Instead, all Ignis does is nod.
Ten years later, and he may very well be dead.
And if it's to have helped Noct and kept him safe, then that's fine.
"We aren't far now," is what he says instead. "Just a few more moments and we should see it." It's not like much of the modern Lucian trends for architecture, Ignis knows, but he still thinks the house should be pleasant enough on the eyes. Certainly he thinks it to be so, with its stone seeming warm underneath the sunlight and a large window over the front door.
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Cor doesn't have it in him to question further, to follow that line of thought when Ignis speaks of their home and when it comes into view Cor can't help but slow his steps for a moment once more. It's so beautifully, pristinely, normal. Just a regular home. Large windows that don't need to be bathed in fluorescence. No decade old decay that there's not enough manpower to fix. No smears of black from the ever-present miasma that's burned away under the careful application of enhanced lighting. No dirt and grime from too many people in too small a space with more machines running to maintain the dwindling population than there are even people left to keep alive anymore.
Just a perfectly mundane house, if a little extravagant.
"It's... nice." The understatement of the century but getting into anything more would only make Ignis more concerned and he's done enough of that to the boy already.
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And *so* many bathrooms, which he is personally pleased about.
Ignis heads over to the den with the fireplace, gesturing for Cor to take a seat. "And... I imagine that Noct will speak to you about this," he says. "But... if you would care to, Marshall, you are welcome here as well."
All of them together.
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Looking to the couch that Ignis gestures to there's a moment where Cor considers it. It looks so soft and plush and comfortable. Something he'd love to simply collapse into after so long sleeping on a rusty cot, using shipping crates for seating. But he knows he is absolutely filthy and he looks down at the pristine upholstery uncertainly. "You're sure?"
He starts to ask the question in regards to the damage he might do to the material. Then Ignis so casually offers to allow him to stay with them and the will to keep his feet bleeds out of him. Cor sinks down, on the edge of the couch at first and then he sinks in more heavily, slumping against one arm. "We are... likely to be here for some time, then?"
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As Cor sinks down onto the chair, Ignis settles down across from him quietly. Yes, the furniture is nice. However, he will always place those he respects and cares about above such trivial things. Cor needs something nice to sit down on - as a general rule but also now more than ever he thinks.
"I believe so," Ignis admits. "I have been here for a few months, now. The others have been around longer than that, to varying degrees. There is a lot of work to do, unfortunately."
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