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Duplicity Game Mods ([personal profile] duplicitymods) wrote in [community profile] duplicitymemes2021-03-09 06:59 pm
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TDM #17


« « « TEST DRIVE MEME » » »

« « « ALL ON DISPLAY

It's discouraging to think how many people are shocked by honesty and how few by deceit. Yet, solace is found in the lies we tell each other, comforted by the peace of knowing that we're not alone in our depravity, and once on this path, sin itself becomes the lesser of two evils masked in a cloud of normalcy.

This is how Duplicity has functioned since the beginning. The divide of power and social standing is overt in that Dominants influence the decisions made both publicly and privately while Submissives cater to the rules presented to them. It is the way of Duplicity to assign random designations at birth with no leeway in altering what has been given. Climate in the Up is far stricter than that of the Down; violating outlined personas for a Dominant or Submissive while in full view of others is punished by degree of infraction. In the Down, many tend to turn a blind eye to these sorts of offenses.

To counteract the discovery of the Deceit Gene – a natural "negative" response to all stimuli – the L.I.E.S. program was founded. The program had been designed to introduce new subjects to the current environment and test for the Deceit Gene through immersion in Duplicity's standing society. Sexual impulses and encounters increase the chances of detecting the gene within these individuals. Participants are typically released from L.I.E.S. after a year; however, results have remained unsatisfactory and testing still continues.

... and you're here! Finally! Welcome to Duplicity.

After choosing a door and stepping through to the other side, the first thing that greets you are the enthusiastic faces of people in medical scrubs and pristine lab coats. Their enthusiasm translates to eagerness as they strip you of your clothes to perform a thorough examination—you will be healed, bathed, and given a clear plastic top and pants along with clear plastic boots to wear until your items can be processed and delivered to your residence later in the evening. You are also given a device that accesses the network as well as the time and location of orientation.

If you enter Duplicity into the Up, congratulations! You're a Dominant, which means you are immediately picked up by a limo after processing and taken to your high rise. Here, it is two Dominants per floor with separate apartments. If you enter Duplicity into the Down, congratulations! You're a Submissive, which means you are directed towards public transportation with the address of the motel you'll be living in. Here, it is two Submissives per room with a shared common space for all rooms.

Enjoy your free time until orientation! Participation is mandatory by all new and old arrivals.

The weather is rather wet and rainy. Very, very rainy.




» » » ALL ABOARD




It's time for the monthly Duplicity train tour. Seats are in pairs and randomly assigned to Dominants and Submissives alike. Traveling from Fiddler's Square, the train journeys through various parts of the Up, showcasing society and examples of lifestyle. Along the way, frequent stops are made; a variety of passengers can be seen exiting and entering the doors. A Dominant with a kneeling Submissive takes a seat near the front of the train at one stop. A small group of Submissives board and sit closer to the LIERS at another, all seemingly content in their roles. As the tour continues through the Up, the train passes close to the Market and White Wall Bridge and zips by North Park before heading into the Down and bypassing Red Wall Bridge and South Park.

The train makes a "final" stop at Riddler's Square, where inhabitants of the Down are instructed to return to their temporary housing. Those who live in the Up are permitted to stay on the train and revisit the same locations while returning.



« « « RAIN RAIN GO AWAY


(cw: aphro, dub-con, violence, marking)

Ice and chilly weather have begun to give way to rain instead, with overcast skies and dark clouds a seemingly constant sight. While the overabundance of rain is an annoyance and comes with the usual series of problems, such as leaky ceilings, mold growth, and gutters or storm drains overflowing, this time the rain carries with it another problem altogether. A weather advisory warning is broadcast to every device, as well as on news networks and radio. The rain, at least for a few days, is not ordinary rain. Whether you're in the Up or the Down, when the water hits clothing it eats away at it. The more water it absorbs, the more the material disintegrates until the wearer is left naked.

When the rain comes in contact with skin (or is ingested) the effects seem to differ depending on where you are in Duplicity. In the Up, it's relatively harmless and merely has an aphrodisiac effect, leaving individuals feeling hot and bothered, more sociable and touchy feely.

Those in the Down, however, are not so lucky. As the rain seeps through the soil from the Up, it ends up laced with toxins, causing a range of less pleasant side effects for anyone unfortunate enough to come into contact with it. Aside from the aphrodisiac, those who get caught in the rain may develop an uncomfortable, itchy rash, leaving them looking rather spotty for a few days. Those who can't resist scratching at themselves will find a newfound pleasure to the relief it brings and start to crave the feeling or sight of similar marks. In worst case scenarios, individuals will become addicted to marking themselves and others, perhaps even to the point of breaking skin.

Effects may last for several hours after exposure and will stack with repeated exposures. In all cases, getting off will bring temporary relief but will not alleviate the symptoms entirely.

Plastic coverings seem to be unaffected by the rain and, as word spreads, the Natives in Duplicity form a mad rush buying up umbrellas. Unless a character is lucky, they may find themselves unable to purchase - or even borrow - one. Theft of umbrellas becomes widespread in the Down, often escalating to violence, and even the Up isn't safe from thugs trying to steal and resell this suddenly hot commodity.

There's another side to all of this, however. Due to the shortage of umbrellas, it isn't uncommon to see Dom/Sub pairs sharing umbrellas together. If anything, it's encouraged as a means to strengthen their bond. Enterprising Subs and Doms alike may even sell their "services" to escort individuals who would otherwise end up soaked.



« « « SUPPLEMENTAL INCOME


(cw: substance abuse, altered states, coercion, fluids, physical body changes)


A new "holistic" pharma company named SQuIRT is opening up in Duplicity and is paying a pretty penny for people to trial run their new line of supplements. These supplements are supposed to increase a person's vitality and energy levels, but the side effects are what the company is really looking out for.

Some of the side effects aren't so bad and could include:
  • Prolonged erections
  • Lactation in both men and women
  • Size enlargement of breasts or genitals
  • Copious amounts of ejaculate or sexual fluids
  • Sudden interest in previously unexplored kinks

While others might find their own reaction to be a little more severe:
  • Shrinkage of breasts, genitals, or entire being
  • Inability to cum
  • Uncontrollable hair growth or hair loss
  • Temporary loss of one or more senses
  • Spontaneous weeping

Subjects must take the supplements for at least a week, otherwise they'll receive no compensation for their troubles. All new arrivals will find themselves automatically enrolled in these trials, whether they want to be or not, and expected to report to the clinic. Of course they don't have to take the supplements, but the payout is certainly enticing, especially for those unfortunate enough to be branded Submissives.



« « « STICKY FINGERS


(cw: violence)

Crime runs rampant in the Down as always but now, with the nastier side effects of the rain creating an ongoing problem, some unsavory types are sneaking their way into the Up where the effects aren't so hazardous.

The result is an uptick in crime in places that are usually considered safe. Be careful how you carry yourself - and your valuables. Those who look like easy pickings may find their pockets empty. Cameras in public areas are being vandalized as well, while homes and businesses are seeing a rise in graffiti. Most of the graffiti is merely obscene, but some is outright seditious. Good luck explaining the latter to the authorities if you happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

One of the smaller gangs that has a presence in the Down is taking particular advantage of the rain's disruption to expand their territory into the Up. Known as the Bulldogs, their members are young men and they have a reputation for violent muggings and assaults - mainly targeting Submissives. They loiter in groups near the train and the elevator between the Up and the Down to ambush the alone and unwary. At night, they also prey on those walking home from bars or clubs who may not fully have their wits about them.

In addition to beating up their victims for money, some of the Bulldogs are engaging in an informal competition over who can steal the most umbrellas - with bonus points awarded for whatever else they feel like. LIERs are worth double points by default, so watch out!



« « « MOD & OOC NOTES


Please read carefully.

On each Test Drive Meme, there will be a section noting character roles; these will vary each TDM. On an IC level, characters will still have gone through the doors but assignments OOCly are still randomized. When applying, there is a section of the application that denotes whether the character chooses "left" or "right". When participating on the TDM, there will be a third option. Players may link either a top level or a thread (five or more comments from their character) from the TDM and title the link as "Door Pass". This means that the player is choosing to take the designation that they were randomly assigned on the TDM, rather than taking the designation of a door. If the player decides to select a door rather than use the pass, then they are trying their luck; they may get the same designation they had on the TDM or the opposite. Once the application is submitted, players can't change their choice.

To assign roles to characters for this TDM, use the following guide:

Players can choose whether to assign their character as a Dominant or Submissive on this TDM for the Door Pass for March Applications only. For May's Application round, threads started here may be used as samples however they will not be eligible for a Door Pass in May. Characters will need to use a thread from May's TDM, using those Door Pass rules, for an application after the March round.

To Note: Characters can only swap their designation for one of the following reasons: an event occurs that allows it or there are OOC reasons that make it a necessity. Any swap always requires mod approval and each character can only ever switch once. Characters that are being reapped will keep their previous designation but players can choose to use new TDMs with different designations for fun!

THERE WILL BE NO APPLICATION ROUND IN APRIL

Please remember to mark any necessary content, and have a good time!!




» » » MAIN NAVIGATION « « «
lightwoodnephilim: (111)

[personal profile] lightwoodnephilim 2021-04-08 08:34 am (UTC)(link)
Yeah. I know.
hisfathersimage: (Default)

[personal profile] hisfathersimage 2021-04-08 11:44 am (UTC)(link)
Luke gives a nod in return. The colonel hadn't used his military title when addressing him, so he didn't feel any salute was appropriate. And he recognised something that he wouldn't have five years earlier. Someone who was very much used to the system working for them.

Luke hoped he learned before the officials broke him. Five years in a Rebellion had taught him a lot. Say nothing, trust no one, not until you knew where you stood, where they stood, who the enemy was.

"Sir?"

"Yes, of course." He turns back to the car and lets himself be escorted inside.
permanentlyexhaustedbird: (helmetbird)

All Aboard

[personal profile] permanentlyexhaustedbird 2021-04-08 01:34 pm (UTC)(link)
Tim moves down the train car slowly, his duffle bag over his shoulder. He stops at anyone he realises is a newcomer and offers them pamphlets for the Community Centre and for the Submissives who are still heading to their new apartments, a blanket or piece of clothing to cover up with.

He doesn't discriminate against the new Dominants though and that's how he'll come to stop in front of Luke.

"Can I offer you information on your new home? From someone who had to go through what you did a little while ago. I know it can take a bit to adjust and they don't exactly cover the most important stuff in the official orientation."
sgwashere: (012)

Saul Goodman | Breaking Bad | Dominant

[personal profile] sgwashere 2021-04-08 01:49 pm (UTC)(link)
NETWORK

[ This video is prerecorded, and rather professionally compared to many of the more amateurish shots you might see from newcomers on here. The only downside to that is that this is clearly also shot by someone who is a green screen fanatic and it shows.

It starts with a voiceover, and a black-and-white montage. There are scenes of sad-looking paid-extras plastered in front of a blurry pictures of Duplicity scenery in various stages of grief and crime, obviously intended to inspire feelings of sadness and anxiety in potential LIER clients.

You're going to notice that this video pops up on the network a lot. In both tone and frequency-of-airing, it's like those adopt-an-animal commercials but for Duplicity. ]


Ever feel like this place is constantly out to get you? It's hard to get your start here, and even harder when the powers-that-be are intent on making what you do behind closed doors their business. Who are you supposed to trust in a city built on a lies?

[ Suddenly, a figure (literally with a comedic rip noise) bursts through the black-and-white gloom and onto the camera, bringing color with him. Jimmy McGill, AKA Saul Goodman, already comes prepared with both a memorable on-screen presence and obnoxiously purple attire. ]

Hi, I'm Saul Goodman, and I'm the guy you want on your side. Whether you're a Dominant or Submissive, long as this place is trying to get under your skin, I'll bite them harder than you're biting each other!

I believe that every man, woman, and child in this great city has the legal right to due representation, and I promise you a chance at justice that won't break the bank or your bed. That's why I serve the Up and the Down, and why I cover just about everything you can think of.

[ He lists off examples as they fly by on the right side of the screen: "CITATION DISPUTES!" "PROPERTY LAWS!" "CONTRACTS!" "CONTRACT NEGOTATIONS!" "CONTRACT DISPUTES!" "FAT CASH SETTLEMENTS!!!!!!" "AND MORE!" ]

Best of all? I make all of that easy and fast so you can get back to enjoying the perk of those contracts - [ cartoon splat noise. ]

So what are you waiting for? Get your hands out of your pants, put em on the phone, and -

[ Finger point. ]

Better Call Saul!

SUPPLEMENTAL INCOME (SORT OF?)

[ Okay, look. He's from a dog-eat-dog world, and Duplicity thus far seems to be even more of the same. While Mr. Goodman is sure that an office would be relatively easy to acquire, if only because he was lucky enough not to brought in with a line on is neck, what's the point in shacking up somewhere and hoping people come up to you? Even with the elegance of an office, guerilla marketing has always proved to be a viable business strategy.

Barely even a block away from where SQuIRT has set up shop, Saul has established his own operation. It's an obnoxiously loud and painfully tacky pink-and-white tent. The infamous lawyer himself sits behind the desk, legs propped up, on his desk, drinking from a pink smoothie. He's wearing a pair of sunglasses and a suit so halfway between charming and tacky, you know he means business.

Your eyes might be drawn to the fliers leading up to and plastered all over the tent, featuring both his number and his face (the same you might have recognized popping up on park benches across town). 'Free Legal Consultations!' 'Have you or your family participated in a bogus clinical trial? Find out your options here!' 'Unfair Citation? Let's see what we can do about it!'

If you approach him WITHOUT informing him of your own troubles first, he'll sit up straight and start giving you the sales pitch:]


Hey there. Saul Goodman, esq, at your service. I'm establishing a class-action lawsuit against SQuIRT, so if you or your friends were affected by, took, or even know someone who downed those pils?

[ Tongue click and finger point. ]

You let me know.

WILDCARD

[ Hit me with your best shot! "Saul Goodman" is an alias, but it's his preferred name! Spoilers for both Breaking Bad through S4 and Better Call Saul through S5 possible but unlikely, with *vague handwaving* at anything that occurs between the two that we still don't know about. ]
permanentlyexhaustedbird: (judgeybird)

[personal profile] permanentlyexhaustedbird 2021-04-08 01:54 pm (UTC)(link)
"So you would just like to continue to bleed over what is probably one of your only shirts? Seeing as you most people only arrive with one and you're going to have a hard time buying anything new for at least a week or two?"

The man obviously has no self-preservation, at least not while he's drunk. Using logic isn't really the best strategy but Tim is willing to just bully and coral him into the direction he needs him to go.
towhatmatters: (→35)

[personal profile] towhatmatters 2021-04-08 03:21 pm (UTC)(link)
"You realise it don't matter when you put it like that. Whether I confirm or not you got your answer."

And, yes, he does intentionally avoid confirming it, just because he can. The smile on his face will hopefully give away that he's doing exactly that just to be a brat, though.
foolish_photographer: (005)

[personal profile] foolish_photographer 2021-04-08 03:38 pm (UTC)(link)
The smile is utterly charming and makes up for any brat-like behaviour as far as Albert is concerned, and he does find himself reaching out to touch Arthur's arm at the elbow, gentle and fond.

"I suppose it doesn't, does it?"

And of course, Arthur being Arthur, no doubt trouble will find him even if he tries to behave. After all, he did keep meeting Albert, no matter how wide the world.
sathan: (pic#14801949)

[personal profile] sathan 2021-04-08 05:26 pm (UTC)(link)
( there's a very slight roll of her eyes at the bravado, and though lilith doesn't physically move the man she's holding does, tensing in pain, a sound that he tries to withhold slipping out as she grips just a little tighter )

Mugging... or would your depravity have sunk lower?

( and whilst there certainly things that lilith really doesn't care about people doing... well, she's feeling a little tense just from being back in this city. the other man that she'd flung at the start is watching the whole thing as if deciding whether he dares jumping back in )

Though when this fool won't leave... perhaps I should let it happen.

( don't worry, she won't )
sathan: (pic#14801937)

[personal profile] sathan 2021-04-08 05:43 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, I'm more than familiar with what this city can and will do.

( and with a slightly unpleasant smile about that lilith waves her hand, conjuring for herself a rather large umbrella that she opens above herself. and there's room if jadzia would like to crouch under... or hold it for her )

I was here-- some time ago. Before they finally returned me to my home.
democratically: (aotc ; transcend)

[personal profile] democratically 2021-04-08 06:27 pm (UTC)(link)
"Oh. No. It's not quite- there is food." Not that it's good, exactly, but they do get food and shelter. It isn't always the best, although she does try to look at the brighter side. It isn't a cell with bars, and it could be a lot worse. On the opposite side, it could also be far better. "It's a little questionable at times."
mahem: (Default)

[personal profile] mahem 2021-04-08 08:19 pm (UTC)(link)
Well, let's see. [ she pulls back from him to glance down at herself; most of the tattoos on her body are visible without her even needing to remove a layer, since she's wearing shorts and a short-sleeved top, and she scans over herself before pointing at her thighs. ]

These I did, but they were all the stick'n poke kind when I was bored once. [ try a handful of times, in the super-max prison where she briefly did a stint. ] Went back later and touched 'em up with a machine I rigged up myself. These here — [ she touches her forearm, indicates the J-shape on her upper arm that's clearly been turned into a mermaid, lettering on her chest and face. ] — not me. I'm kinda self-taught.
hisfathersimage: (Attentive)

[personal profile] hisfathersimage 2021-04-09 12:55 am (UTC)(link)
That's... marginally better? Yes, it is marginally better, not good, but at least they're not starving them to force them into compliance as fast as possible. "Well, I'll give you all the ways you can contact me and if you need anything, I'll do what I can."

It's the least he can do. Aside from help her up as they pull into the station.
unpragmatic: (cw - decide)

[personal profile] unpragmatic 2021-04-09 01:25 am (UTC)(link)
"I can barely even imagine that," Anakin answers. The Council hadn't wanted to train him. They likely wouldn't have if it weren't for the war, for Qui-Gon's death, Obi-Wan advocating for him. Obi-Wan hadn't been ready either. They'd stumbled through it together. Anakin had never made it easy, of course, but here he was on the other side of that training, more soldier than Jedi. But since learning what he has about the future, he's much further away from Vader's dark shadow than he might otherwise be.

"Apartment is fine. I think we're closer to the apartments than to my house." It isn't his house, of course; it's Qi'ra's, but he lives there. He's certainly not going to refer to it as my Dominant's house. He still bristles at the idea of this place's caste system, so akin to slavery in his mind. An entire year here hasn't softened him on the idea.

He steps back out of the alley so there's room.

"Lead on."
biscuity: ❚ season one. (pic#14630901)

[personal profile] biscuity 2021-04-09 01:28 am (UTC)(link)
[ She considers just leaving it at that — what more is there to say? — but after a few minutes, Clary sends another text. ]

I know you don't actually know me or anything, and you weren't really my biggest fan back home, but I'm here. For whatever.
We've got to stick together in this place, right?
hisfathersimage: (Puh-lease)

[personal profile] hisfathersimage 2021-04-09 02:06 am (UTC)(link)
"Yoda was pretty unhappy about it," Luke agrees.

To put it mildly. He knows he's going to have to tell Anakin who he is, but he wants to do it somewhere private, because even now, he's not sure how his father will react, if he'll lash out or repress or what else he might end up doing.

Luke starts heading back to his apartment. He doesn't know what to say, how to fill the silence. "How long have you been here? Do you have family and friends here?"
patientman: (Default)

[personal profile] patientman 2021-04-09 02:08 am (UTC)(link)
"I might be, but I'd wager it's not a timeline too different from my own. I've had some experience with an alternate timeline, one that's gone terribly awry, but given that you're from Starfleet, that's not your world." No mirror!verse here, please and thank you.
democratically: (aotc ; decisions)

[personal profile] democratically 2021-04-09 02:11 am (UTC)(link)
Padmé has learned to pick her battles, and so far, this isn't a battle that she's willing to take on. She has been trying to learn the lay of the land, to fully understand the culture, customs and beliefs. Some aspects may be familiar, but the general set-up is vastly different.

"Thank you." Moving towards the door. "Thankfully most of the people here are helpful to each other."
hisfathersimage: (Default)

[personal profile] hisfathersimage 2021-04-09 02:47 am (UTC)(link)
Luke's learned to pick his battles a lot more wisely. Diving headfirst into active and overt rebellion is a really good way of getting killed, betrayed and strung up as an example.

"I'm glad. I think those of us who have the privilege and power owe it to others to help them. Protect them when they need it, provide when they're denied the chance to provide for themselves." He helps to usher her off the train, finding himself making the comparison with Leia and concluding. "You're taller than Leia."
democratically: (aotc ; mirth)

[personal profile] democratically 2021-04-09 03:06 am (UTC)(link)
"It is a good sentiment, and we are lucky that many share it." Such events either work to band people together, or work to tear them apart- and have them tear each other apart. It's not that it's all pleasantries, but the overall effect has been one of mutual aide.

There's a soft amused noise as she glances over to him again as she steps off onto the platform. "Hopefully not by too much... Although you look similar in height to Obi-Wan." Which yes, is a little shorter than Anakin.
lightwoodnephilim: (094)

[personal profile] lightwoodnephilim 2021-04-09 03:16 am (UTC)(link)
Whatever happens at home, things here are obviously pretty different, and I'm not who I was there.

So yeah. I'll have your back. So will Jace and Izzy, and Magnus.
hisfathersimage: (Grin)

[personal profile] hisfathersimage 2021-04-09 03:33 am (UTC)(link)
Luke hesitates and then lifts his hand to indicate just how short his sister is when standing with him. "She's pretty small. And I'm not as tall as Ben. I know that for a fact." Even as he got older and lost some height, he still stood taller than Luke.

"Han's tall as well. It's easy to forget seeing him next to Chewie all the time, but he really is."
formerhighking: (072)

[personal profile] formerhighking 2021-04-09 06:42 am (UTC)(link)
[In Eliot's experience, the ones who insist they don't are usually the ones who absolutely do.]

There have been people who only last a month or two, but most are in for a longer stay. I know people who've been here for years. So strap in and don't count on checking out too soon. On the bright side, according to most people, time doesn't really pass back where you came from, so you'll just plop back where you left from and no one will know you were gone and you won't remember fuck city at all.
braveoff: <user name="wonjae">; commissioned (pic#11535709)

[personal profile] braveoff 2021-04-09 11:06 am (UTC)(link)
[ Drake is actually more surprised to hear 'queen' than 'bug juice' but as that's not the topic and she hasn't asked him to bow yet, he'll just file it away. ]

We had bug juice at summer camp but I'm pretty sure it was just called that because flies liked it.

Moss chips sound okay?
braveoff: <user name="wonjae">; commissioned (pic#11535691)

[personal profile] braveoff 2021-04-09 11:12 am (UTC)(link)
[ All the cover ups are interesting, but Drake doesn't know her well enough to ask about it yet. ]

I'd be curious to see what you could do with a real machine. Do you sketch things out first?
betterworld: ᱬ end game. ❚ (Default)

[personal profile] betterworld 2021-04-09 01:55 pm (UTC)(link)
Maybe, although I doubt it. They're incredibly powerful and many have tried, unsuccessfully, to get out.
Why do you think anyone is still here after all this time?


[ It's more than memories that Wanda needs intact, regardless; she needs Pietro alive and that seems even less likely than finding an escape route. ]

That certainly sounds like a difficult issue to rectify.
I'm glad that it apparently works out okay.

How were you trying to bring him back?