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duplicitymemes2021-03-09 06:59 pm
duplicitymods) wrote in duplicitymemes2021-03-09 06:59 pm
Entry tags:
TDM #17
« « « TEST DRIVE MEME » » »
« « « ALL ON DISPLAY
» » » MAIN NAVIGATION « « «
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:
While others might find their own reaction to be a little more severe:
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!! |
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Jace rubbed at the backs of his hands, where the water had hit the most, and frowned. "Is it supposed to itch?"
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"The set up is crap, everyone knows it. No one likes it, no matter how they're assigned. I don't like it either. But when I got here, there was no one from home but Magnus. And I'd never met him until I got here. No Clave, no Lightwoods. No one knew me or expected anything of me. No one cared what I did or didn't do or if I failed, except for the city caring if I didn't follow the rules. The worst things about me weren't anything to anyone here. I could want things. People. And the people I wanted wanted me back." Alec shrugged again. "I missed home, Izzy, you, Max. But I liked that part of it. I might have had to sign a contract and I might have a mark I didn't put on myself. But I had freedom I never had at home, for a while. And I met people I care about." He looked away at nothing in particular, uncomfortable. "So that's what I like. It doesn't mean I like everything."
He looked back, frowning a little. "I don't know. The rain is pretty new. We can get you back to Magnus, he can look at it."
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He made a face, taking a deep breath. He felt flushed and oddly inclined to just blurt things out. Things he had no business telling Alec. "I think that's why they made me a submissive. They figured out my secrets."
He sighed. "Alright. So how do we get back without losing my only change of clothes? You sure Magnus wants me back there? I can stay here, Alec. I don't want to be in the way of... whatever you've got going."
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Alec shook his head. "It doesn't work like that," he promised quietly. "It's random. There's people who are submissives who aren't ... prone to it, and people who are Dominants who would rather never have to be. The city just picks."
"We can either put the plastic back on you and just run for the train, it's not far and my jacket's spelled so it'll hold up a while. Or I can call Magnus and ask for a portal."
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Jace cleared his throat, blushing still. "So. Liking to be choked while you get fucked is not a factor then. Got it." And then groaned and turned BRIGHT RED, and covered his face with his hands. "Aw SHIT." There was DEFINITELY something in that rain.
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Alec sucked in a too-loud breath, letting it out again. But his voice was mostly even when he did answer again. "No. What you uh, like isn't a factor in how you're assigned. It's just ... what the city wants and what door you go through."
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He hummed and pressed his lips together. "I'm kind of afraid to talk now," he admitted quietly.
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"Don't worry about it. But you don't have to. Just ... nod if you want me to call Magnus or get up and put on the plastic if you want to go for the train."
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He shut his mouth again, because he was just fucking things up more. He nodded vehemently. He didn't want to risk anymore contact with that fucking rain.
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Alec took out his phone to text Magnus, going back and forth a few times before motioning to Jace to follow him. "He'll portal outside the housing building, come on."
He led Jace downstairs and waiting for the now-familiar whoosh and flare of color and energy that was Magnus' portal, then nodded at Jace to dart through. Alec followed him.
They emerged in the family room of Swallow Wood, portal closing behind them and Magnus waiting. "We're in the Up now, this is Magnus' house," Alec explained to Jace. "This is Jace, my parabatai. He already knows you - he's from further in the timeline, like Izzy. And maybe a little different universe, we're not sure."
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Magnus smiled at both of them, though his look was more reassuring towards Alec and simply warm towards Jace. He remembered bits of Jace only from Alec's memories, from that time not so long ago when their minds were linked and when thoughts and feelings crisscrossed between them. He knew how much Jace meant to Alec, but also how scared he was of Jace finding out about him. But, judging from the state of them, there appeared nothing to be feared on that note.
"Figures," he says with a wry look. Everyone was just popping up from the future now.
"Well, for my part, it's a pleasure to meet you, Jace. And I took the liberty..." He trails off and steps aside, showing off the coffee table which currently had a bottle of scotch and three glasses on it.
"I figured you might need a little something."
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The introduction made him pause though and he smiled a little wryly at Magnus. "I appreciate your helping me out. This has been... an eye-opening introduction to the City," he said. "I'm glad Alec had someone to look out for him, too."
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"He's been helping Izzy, too. He's kind of everybody's fairy godfather," Alec says wryly, giving Magnus a fond smile. It's not like he DOESN'T notice all the clothes that appear in his closet.
"Do you think it means something, that all these people from home or the past are showing up all the sudden?" he asked Magnus.
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He snorts at the mention of "fairy godmother." "I certainly am getting paid less to take care of wayward Shadowhunters than I would be back home," he says. But it's all in teasing. He doesn't mind, at all. He only needs to be paid by the assholes, not those that treat him with respect and love. They get everything he has.
He frowns at Alec's question however. "If it means anything, it means more pain. And awkwardness." He sighs a little and looks to Jace.
"I'm sure Alec's mentioned to you already how this place works. The focus on sex, the punishments for rule-breaking, the little... strange festivals and events that occur. This many people from our world in one place? Feels like trouble, for sure."
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The idea of Magnus as a fairy godmother though makes him snort in amusement. "That is not the way Magnus uses glitter, and I've yet to see wings. Plus, Magnus isn't as tricky as the fae."
He sips the alcohol while Magnus talks, grimacing at the reminders. "Great. Because that's at least five, no six, that Ragnor guy texted me too. All of us from at least very similar universes, even if there is differences along the way. Definite trouble." He made a face. "The rain is definitely been... altered. I'm blurting out shit I'd never normally say out loud already," he said, studiously not looking in Alec's direction.
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He doesn't really like the idea that it might just mean more pain. Awkwardness ... that kind of goes without saying. It's awkward to live in a place where the focus is so constantly on sex and then have your sister show up, and then someone who you're meant to think of as a brother. But he hopes it's just a coincidence and nothing more, not some ... deliberate example about to be made of them.
"I told him some," Alec says. "The rain is worse in the Down," he adds, grimacing.
"Ragnor lives here. George is from a world similar to ours. Izzy's here. Magnus, me, you," Alec said. "Don't worry about it, Jace," he added.
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Awkward might be an understatement here.
"Blurting things out is sometimes just how it goes," Magnus says smoothly. "And that's not just a Duplicity thing. Ragnor down my truth potion the other day thinking it was tequila and, well." The warlock smirks in an almost smug fashion. "I am very good with my potions."
He shakes his head and moves to take a sip of liquor.
"The point is, you shouldn't worry about being more open than usual with others. In any way. This place has a way of forcing you to admit to things, do things, be things. The control you have is in how you handle yourself before and after, not during."
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"Is there a way to tell? To find out if it's just different points in time, or if we're actually from other worlds than each other?"
He sips the booze again, taking a longer drink. "That's not sounding like a whole lot of control in the long run, Magnus. Especially for a Shadowhunter." They were really kind of known for being anal about control.
He sighs. "Clary's here too. Which I know won't mean anything to either of you, but it will to Izzy, maybe. She's another Shadowhunter. And my sister. She ended up as a Dominant."
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"I don't know, but does it matter? We know we're close enough to be parabatai, so it doesn't change much," Alec says.
"I told him that things just get posted to the network sometimes," Alec tells Magnus. "But not always, so sometimes people can get away with keeping things quiet, at least for a while. If they want to. Just not usually for long."
He shrugs at Jace uneasily. "It's not. But you control what you can - who you contract with, where you work, who you ... make quota with. Who you're friends with. It's not ... it's not perfect Jace. Most of it can be crap. But not everything."
The name didn't mean a lot to Alec, other than what Jace had already told him about her being his sister, but he shrugs. "I guess the city doesn't hate all Shadowhunters."
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He doesn't pretend to understand all of Shadowhunter magic, angelic -- and secreted -- as it is. But he has some idea of how it all works, thank you.
He frowns at the mention of Clary. Or, rather, at her being Jace's sister.
"She does mean something to me," Magnus corrects mildly, with a frown of confusion. "But if she's--"
If she's his sister, then either Clarissa Fairchild is not a Morgenstern or Jace Wayland is.
Magnus knows which one he's hoping for.
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"Ragnor texted me when I got here too. Made sure I was okay. Was going to come get me if Alec hadn't already showed up," he said quietly. He doesn't tell Magnus how he knows Ragnor. He doesn't want to see the look on Magnus' face.
Jace looks confused for a second and then grimaces, remembering. "Her memories. Yeah. You knew her and our mother. I'd forgotten. That seems forever ago." Before he'd fallen for Clary. Before he'd found out she was his sister. Before he'd found out he had demon blood. It's been a lot.
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The idea of Jace sharing a mother and Valentine as his father with some girl Alec's never met in person - it's still just bizarre. It feels like a story, not a reality - something surreal and not quite believable. It doesn't change who Jace is, but Alec does know his parabatai really well, despite all the new uncertainties between them - he knows it would change how Jace feels about himself.
If she's his sister though, and Jace doesn't want to be here, then at least Clary might be an option. Doms don't HAVE to sleep with their subs ... Alec just doesn't really like the idea. And deep down he doesn't trust the idea that people can contract and never have to sleep together. Throwing a wrench in that on a whim seems too much like a possibility the city might pull. "You can figure out what you need and want to do, we'll just do whatever we can to help," he offers awkwardly.