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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!! |
micah bell III | red dead redemption 2 | dominant
[ Micah Bell isn’t the sort of man to stay in one place very long, nor is he a man content to have his way of life uprooted by civilization. That’s evident enough when their first attempt at introducing him to this dog-and-pony show ends with him lashing out and being tranqed for a a bit.
Still, Duplicity is a place a man could learn to be comfortable in for a moment, he learns. The veritable Soddom-and-Goddamn-Gomorrah of the fucking future. It’ll do for a moment, and some of these ideas - well. He can get behind them.
Micah sprawled across his seat for the tour, legs wide open. Not only is he manspreading hundreds of years before the term is invented, he’s bored. The tour is much less exciting than that stretching-automated-carriage (and it’s open-bar) until he sees that Submissive kneeling in front of her Dominant.
His beady blue eyes take that all in.
So if he sees you have a submissive mark on your neck, especially if you’ve got a pretty-looking face? You’re going to get Micah loudly looming by and addressing you, regardless of how likely you are to punch him in the face. ]
Well, how ‘bout you start doin yer job and get on yer knees for me? [ Hm? ] Ain’t that what they brought’cha here for?
RAIN RAIN GO AWAY
[ Micah Bell ain’t some goddamn Submissive, and to be quite fuckin frank, he doesn’t care how many of them get robbed. The Bulldogs seem enterprisin enough boys, even if this umbrella racket is a little small-time, and it’s enough for this rodent to want his cut.
He’s able to catch a lone Bulldog, a relatively inexperienced-looking one, slink into an alley after pulling off a successful umbrella heist in The Up. Micah, damned if he’s going to let an opportunity pass him by unnoticed, slithers into that alley right after him. ]
Hey, fella! I was hopin we could talk about partnerin on this enterprising little venture of yers.
[ The Bulldogs are Anti-LIER, don't trust newcomers rather easily, and usually do not recruit those outside their circle of influence. Micah Bell, on the other hand, is Anti-common sense and does not take being told no rather easily.
That’s why, if you’re nosy, you’re going to see Micah kicking the slightly-mangled body of that Bulldog against the walls of the alley. They’re bleeding and already half-dead, if not having already passed that threshold. It’s gruesome. ]
Maybe next time you say no to a man, you’ll learn to [ - kick - ] fight like one first!
[ It’s punctuated by a raspy chuckle before Micah leans in, thumbs dug into his pockets, and spits on the body. ]
WILDCARD
[ micah bell is a ratfucking dirtbag. he is a constantly antagonistic and hate-filled presence, and does not play well with others. you can opt-out of tags from him here, and please lmk if you would me to avoid major rdr2 spoilers. ]
The Midnight Train to Fucktown
That is put on hold as soon as a gruff and rough looking man looks over someone in the seat in front of Albert's own. His words are foul, the implication wicked, and the pretty submissive being addressed seems terrified. He wouldn't normally interfere but as no one else is doing so, Albert finds himself getting to his feet.
"Sir," he says, "Go back to your seat and leave them alone."
cw: micah sexism, choo choo!
"And what are you gonna do bout it if I don’t, friend?"
Micah’s tongue clicks, accompanied by a curious raise of his eyebrow. Whoever his new friend is, the man looks like he hasn’t been in a scrap a day in his life. It certainly does nothing to dissuade Micah’s arrogance.
"In case you ain’t gettin the gist of the tour, I ain’t doin anythin this place don’t want me to. They’re Submissives and we’re Dominants."
Micah gestures to the line on the terrified Submissive’s neck. Her eyes have hit the floor, and it looks like she’d rather be anywhere else.
"Far as I’m concerned, there ain’t no point in brandin livestock if it ain’t gonna give you milk."
no subject
He tries to square his shoulders, although they are naturally rounded, soft, like many things about him. Yet there is a spine in there somewhere because he pushes himself between the seated submissive and the man ogling her.
"People are not livestock, sir," He says as his jaw tenses, "Nor are they beholden to give you anything should they choose not to. The state has designated you a role, and that means you have a duty. Noblesse oblige, it is your place to look after those who do not share your good fortune. And that means leaving this lady alone if she does not return your affections."
He swallows, surprised at his own daring, "Return to your seat. You would do well to get off at the next stop."
no subject
"I suppose I would do well."
Micah leans forward, narrowed eyes kubrick staring right at Albert as the borrowed line rolls off of his silver tongue. The little shrimp looks like he'd be knocked over if a breeze hit him the right way. There's no reason for the ratlike rustler to be worried, and when he stands up, he's happy to slowly close the small distance between him and the photographer.
"You would do well, turtle, to crawl outta matters that don't concern you and find a way back into yer shell, hm? I ain't got time for your ramblin, and I think the woman can handle a little friendly conversation just fine."
He casts a side glance to the two SIN Guards at the back of the train, both very obviously watching this argument.
no subject
He swallows again, throat dry, and his body desperate to slink away. But his feet don't move, and he remains stood stock still as the train hurtles on. He isn't a man used to physical confrontation. He isn't even particularly good at debate, despite how passionate he is about his cause, and so a war of words would hardly be better.
But he thinks back to all the pompous, arrogant hunters, the men that kill for sport, for pleasure, for nothing more than the thrill of it, and the man in front of him seems just like that, the sort who would kill just because he can, and slowly, just to gloat. He insults and twists the knife, and watches all the blood drain away, because he gets something from it.
Albert doesn't understand how anyone can be like that. He doesn't. And while he desperately wants to run away, to go back to his hole, he... can't. His feet are stuck to the floor as if they've been glued.
"There is nothing friendly about you. I will not move."
Rain rain
When his gaze lands on a very familiar figure, his blood turns both cold and hot at once, fury and something not exactly like fear but not far off surges through him. It can't be. He doesn't want to think it could be. But there's no denying the violence, the smell of blood, the laugh that makes his skin crawl.
Of all people from the gang, of all possibilities they brought the rat?
He could walk away. Micah's busy, and the city is big enough that he could avoid the man, at least for a while, even if he's unlucky enough that Micah is a Dominant and would thus be assigned to the same building. He could just walk away. It would be easy.
Only it isn't easy. Some part of him feels responsible, like he has to make sure Micah knows he's here, that there is someone around to watch him.
So he takes a deep breath, pulls out a cigarette, and puts it between his teeth. ]
What's he gonna learn if he's dead?
[ Then, he brings his lighter up to light the cigarette. Acting unbothered, like this hasn't completely ruined the rest of his month. Or year. Or remaining time in the city.
Just the usual. ]
(rdr2 spoilers beyond this point)
When Micah first hears that voice, he thinks this is something the city has laced into his drink. It's like eating some of that rancid slop (what the hell is a "macaroni") they go in the cafeteria has summoned the fucking Ghost of the Christmas Past out to spook him.
Life sill comes with goddamn rules, even in this shithole. One of those rules is that the dead don't talk.
Micah's beady little eyes shift to the figure stood at the alley, and there's an immediate grimace at the sight. The man on the ground, barely breathing, becomes even more of a nothing as Micah stands up straight, assessing the situation.
Morgan doesn't have a gun drawn yet, despite getting the drop on him. It's a moron's move, but Bell opts for the same, still cautiously letting his hands drift towards his holsters. It's a cordial conversation with what he's 80% sure is a figment of his vast imagination. ]
I'm sure you can learn plenty from dyin, cowpoke. Don't matter whether or not you survive the lesson.
[ Look at him. The Bulldog himself. Already on the goddamn watch. Even with the lack of light, old Black Lung seems more mobile than in his final days.
Micah squints, staring down his rival, checking for something. No line. Damn it. ]
But I can aaaaalll-ready tell you ain't learned nothin.
no subject
Of course he sees the way Micah prepares for a fight. It doesn't worry him. Micah's a good shot, but he's confident that he can shoot faster. He doesn't feel like testing what will happen if he actually kills someone in this city, what their dear hosts will think, as tempted as he is to shoot Micah between the eyes.
That, and he might not shoot fast enough, and he may be annoyed that he's not dead but he doesn't really want to die. Least of all by Micah's hand. ]
How's Dutch?
no subject
Whaddya think I am, cowboy, the man's keeper?
[ That one sentence comes across like a total and complete denial of their last few weeks in the gang. The last time Micah saw Dutch, it was walking away from him. Him and everything he did for the man.
Whether he's a rat or not, the feeling of resentment stains his pride. Seeing the silhouette of Morgan in good health wounds it further. ]
The last time I saw Dutch was bout the last time you saw Dutch. That is, a'course, assumin you were even able to see Dutch.
no subject
So he turned his back on you too.
[ He smiles. It's not entirely happy, more wry and humourless, but it feels a little like victory. Many people go out alive, John and Abigail hopefully got the money, and Micah lost everything.
It's something. ]
no subject
[ It's almost shouted out as one word, like the need for him to get the damn words out is stronger than his need to breathe. Micah leers forward, practically spitting on the ground. Bell has half a mind to shoot Morgan right here and now, but he knows he damn well can't take the big dog on when he's so well-looking. He sure as his shit can't do it here.
He takes a step and a half towards Morgan. Not enough to get anywhere near him yet, but enough to take Micah away from the civilian. He's holding his ground. ]
He ain't here, Black Lung, and this ain't home! You and me is aaaaaaalllllll there is now! So unless yer really fancyin the idea of dyin just as quick here, I suggest we forget all about that! Hm? Come on, I ain't afraid to put on an encore performance!
no subject
That doesn't mean the threats are empty, but in this very moment, he won't act on them. Otherwise, he would have done so already. ]
I ain't afraid neither, but we're a little closer to the law than we're used to.
[ At least they're both Dominants, which makes it a little more likely that the law doesn't interfere, but that doesn't change the fact that they're right under its nose. ]
And there ain't nowhere to run.
no subject
No, she was just looking to get used to the trains like other people did.
And now this?
Gilia swallows. Here in public, what can she do? No. She has no choice when there are eyes upon her. So she lowers herself, gathering her skirts in her hands so she can sink into a low curtsey. Her plunging neckline and fine revealing clothes far too obvious as sign of her position and it in, she can only be one thing. ]
Yes, sir, as you wish.
no subject
Despite Gilia's revealing neckline, that dress and complexion gives her the look of who wants for nothing - you know. Real proper. The sort of lady someone like him could long for, but prudish to a fault. That kind of talk would have gotten him slapped back at camp.
He's leaning above her seat, elbow resting on it, and he steps back when Gilia curtsies. Despite being awestruck for a moment, there's barely a dent in his cocky attitude. In fact, his attitude only gets worse after that response. ]
Well. Ain't we all real GLAD that some of these folks have taken so quickly to the lifestyle?
[ Micah broadly gestures to Gilia with one arm, like he's showing her off to the world at the moment. He raises his voice mid-sentence, no doubt with the aim of attracting more attention to the two of them in that moment.
Shooting a toothy grin at her, Micah tilts his head towards his seat. He digs his hands into his belt as he saunters back over like he's king of the world. Micah takes to the train seat, spreads his legs wide, and pats for Gilia to follow. Mind the holsters. ]
Now, pretty little face like your's. Fella has to imagine you've got a pretty name to match.
[ The way he says it is not entirely charming. ]
no subject
She clears her throat as she rises, and follows after him.
Gently, she begins to arrange her skirts before she goes to take the seat he offers. Gently sweeping them, and settles against his lap as he directs. Prim, just as he suspected, back straight and not directly at ease as another might be. ]
Gilia, sir, my name is Gilia.
Train
She looks up, absolutely disgusted.]
I don't think it's possible for me to say 'No' in a way that fully demonstrates how sick that makes me feel. Why don't you go learn some manners?