TDM #17

[duplicitymods]

« « « TEST DRIVE MEME » » »

« « « ALL ON DISPLAY

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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

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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

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(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

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(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

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(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

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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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» » » MAIN NAVIGATION « « «

Comments

[aemula]

Her lips curve into a smile. Maybe she does have a pretty interesting life in this place. It’s nice to hear it from someone else. Kilgrave does have his moments. She runs the tip of her index finger in circles around the rim of her teacup.

“His name is Kyle. He’s been so good to me.” There’s a dreamy look in her eyes as she gazes into her tea. Maybe she feels a little more than lust for Kyle. She looks back up at Kilgrave, still smiling.

“You don’t seem surprised. Did you have vampires where you come from? It’s all kind of new to me, but…” But she’d liked the biting. Marlo was finding that she liked to be treated roughly even more than she liked to be caressed and cared for.

[purpleintheface]

"Not so much," Kilgrave admitted. "Stories. But you never know, lots of other things that were stories have come true. Space aliens invaded New York commanded by a Norse God, so..." He shrugged.

"For all I know, there are vampires crawling around in the shadows and I just never heard of them. There's supposed to be a Devil that crawls around Hell's Kitchen beating up drug dealers. That's no less plausible I'd think."

Kyle. Interesting. He'd remember the name. He wondered if he could control vampires? He wondered if they were allergic to garlic or not. Maybe he'd order Italian before meeting him.

[aemula]

She sits up a little straighter, her jaw dropped into an openmouthed smile. It was all too bizarre to be true, wasn’t it? But then again so much about this world was like something straight from fiction. Vampires, for instance, or magic.

“Your world sounds fantastic. I mean, I’m not so sure I’d like to be around when space aliens invade a place, but that’s amazing.” Honestly, it sounds like something that would make a good movie.

“Is it dangerous there?” Marlo leans in a little, fascinated by all of it.

[purpleintheface]

"No," he said nearly automatically. He very rarely felt threatened back 'home.' "The only people that ever hurt me were the ones I loved the most."

Wasn't that just a pathetic statement in and of itself? Made him sound like some kind of milksop poet. He might as well throw on a black t-shirt and start a grunge band.

"I think I'll take a second cup," he said, waving the server down. He almost told them to add a shot of bourbon.

[aemula]

Fine, Kilgrave, make the bleeding heart Nice Girl truly feel bad for you. It’s a bit of a jump from being mildly creeped out by him to feeling so very awful, but if his sentiment is honest it could be deserved.

Marlo knows the clock is ticking and that she should be at work pretty soon, but she frowns and stays in her seat. “I’m so sorry,” she says sincerely.

“I… Probably shouldn’t start another cup, but I’ll stay a little longer.” She smiles sympathetically. He seems like he could use a friend right now.

[purpleintheface]

A second cup is brought and Kilgrave swirls it around in his hand, watching the water twirl around in its vessel. This is a level of introspection he rarely took, but dying had a way of making you rethink things.

"I'm rather enjoying your company, Marlo," Kilgrave said. "You're a good- what's the phrase? A good listener. Take the day off, spend it with me instead."

[aemula]

Maybe she’s a good listener, but she’s an even better employee. In all of her days working at Crimson, Marlo has never missed a performance. Suddenly, though, taking the day off seems like a great idea. It makes her suspicious. Kilgrave has been very persuasive in their short time together.

“Okay...” she agrees in a soft, slightly puzzled tone. She doesn’t know why she’s going along with this other than he wants her to. Marlo bites at her lip uneasily, unsure of what to say next. It definitely feels like he has the upper hand here, but is she giving it to him or is something more happening?

[purpleintheface]

Her agreement brings him a spark of joy. Sure, he told her to do it, but she may have said yes, even if he hadn't, couldn't she have?

"Do you like the Opera, Marlo?" he asks. "There's a performance of Idomeneo at the Opera House soon, I would love to take you."

[aemula]

Her mouth twitches into the smallest of smiles. She’s still wondering about Kilgrave and his unusual ability to convince her to tell him anything or do anything, but he seems so harmless. Nice, even. Marlo raises her eyebrows slightly.

“It’s been too long since I last went to the opera. I think that sounds lovely.” It would be nice to enjoy some of the things she enjoyed back home. Tinya does have her performing arts center here.

[purpleintheface]

Kilgrave fishes out a $100 bill and drops it on the table. "Then shall we?" he asks, getting up and holding out a hand for her.

He leads her to a parked car nearby. A woman is inside reading something and looks up quizzically as they stroll up.

"Take us to the Opera house," he says. At his words, her expression disappears and is replaced with a blank confidence, her body turning rigid in the seat and staring straight ahead until they both got into the back seat.

[aemula]

“Now?” Her eyes widen slightly and she gives a surprised smile. She slips her hand into his, but chuckles and shakes her head. “Everyone will be dressed to the nines and I’m so casual! I’ll stand out like a sore thumb. Will they even let me in?” Her clothes are nice, a pink cashmere sweater and knee-length skirt, but Marlo usually wears gowns to the opera and ballet.

When they get to the car, Marlo gets in looking confused. Is this woman Kilgrave’s driver or is this another instance displaying his power of persuasion?

“Is... she your driver?” She hopes the answer will be a confident yes.

[purpleintheface]

He snaps. "You're right, pit stop first. Take us to Plumage."

He did need a new suit after that punk kid stole his umbrella and it got all holey. The driver acknowledged with a 'No problem,' before changing directions.

"Of course she's my driver, she's driving, isn't she?"

After a short drive to Fiddler's square, they arrive in front of the boutique. "Well, let's get us suited up, shall we?"

[aemula]

Marlo gives a delighted laugh. Today was meant to be a shopping day, but this is feeling a little more like Pretty Woman, the notable exception being that she isn’t a prostitute. She gets out of the car, smiling from ear to ear. She’s rather enjoying her day off so far.

“You’re really going to take me shopping? I hardly know you.” She beams happily at Kilgrave, tucking a long strand of hair behind her ear. “You really know how to treat a girl.” If she only knew...

Marlo steps into Plumage and looks around. She does some of her shopping here, but is still captivated by the fashions every time she enters.

[purpleintheface]

"Pick out whatever you like," Kilgrave said as they perused the front gown and tuxedo area.

Kilgrave himself went to the suits and started looking around. He found a purple suit to his liking, but it wasn't available in his size without custom ordering it to fit, so instead he took a couple of black tuxedos ordered to the dressing rooms.

[aemula]

Trying on dresses takes time, so Marlo only takes two of her favorites back to the dressing room. The first is a stunning white gown with a low neckline and silver detailing around the bust. The second is a one shoulder gown in a deep shade of purple that complements Marlo’s coloring perfectly.

She moves into the dressing room next to Kilgrave and disrobes down to her underwear, raising her voice slightly so he can hear. “Honestly, this really is very nice of you.”

Marlo slips into the purple dress first, struggling to zip it all the way up. “I don’t suppose I could trouble you to zip me?”

[purpleintheface]

"No trouble at all," Kilgrave says. He enters wearing an elegant black tuxedo with a vivid purple tie. He reaches to find the zipper and slowly pulls it up her back, admiring the gentle curves along her spine and the shape of her shoulder bones. "Such a delicate little thing. These zippers."

"Well, aren't you fetching in that. Have you tried on the other yet?"

[aemula]

“Thank you,” she smiles at him, pausing to admire herself in the mirror. The dress fits her perfectly and really does look lovely on. Marlo looks back at Kilgrave and shakes her head. “No, I haven’t tried that one on yet.”

Marlo is thinking he’ll probably leave the room so she can try it on. While she waits, she smooths out the fabric of the dress she has on now and turns, getting a better look at it.

[purpleintheface]

"Take that one off, but before you put on the next one, wait," he told her, before exiting the room. A few minutes later, long enough for her to get undressed, he returned to just outside the door and reached over, hanging several sets of lingerie on the door.

"Give those a try, will you, love?"

[aemula]

Marlo takes the dress off as soon as he tells her to and waits as instructed. She’s caught off-guard, though, by what he hands her.

“Lingerie?” Marlo asks, slightly puzzled as to why she’s even slipping into the red set right now. It’s pretty and she does like to indulge in pretty things, but as she’s said before, she hardly knows Kilgrave. He doesn’t seem to be in a position to be buying her lingerie.

[purpleintheface]

"You can't wear such a gorgeous dress without the proper framework underneath, you'd agree? Is the first set on?"

He doesn't wait for an answer before he slides into the booth to evaluate her. He was glad she picked the red one first, it was definitely his favorite. Not too gaudy or complicated. Just elegant and sexy.

"You look absolutely ravishing in that," he compliments.

[aemula]

She does look rather good in the lingerie. Almost every morning back home she goes for a swim and that’s resulted in a lean, toned body. Marlo smiles a little shyly at the compliment, though it definitely makes her feel good.

“Thank you.” There’s a slight flush to her cheeks. He’s been so incredibly kind, but she’s not used to being looked at like this so soon after meeting someone.

[purpleintheface]

Of course, Kilgrave wants her to take it off in front of him to try the next one on. But the hallmark of man is the ability to resist the temptations of their animal brain and preserve a sense of mystery for later. How much more rewarding would it be to peel her out of her dress and lingerie later tonight?

"I'll leave you to the rest of your fitting," Kilgrave said. "I have a few bits on this suit too loose and a few more too tight, but I'm told there's a tailor on staff."

[aemula]

“You’ll look wonderful.” She smiles at him. When was the last time she was taken out and treated like this? Sure the lingering looks are a little strange, but maybe Kilgrave is just an intense guy. Marlo has heard about things happening quickly for women with guys before, how they just sort of fall in love and fall into bed all so soon. It’s never been that way for her. She’s used to a slow burning relationship. The pace she’s going at now, though, is anything but slow.

Once Kilgrave is out of the dressing room, Marlo changes into the white dress and admires her silhouette in the mirror. “I don’t know,” she calls out just loudly enough for him to hear. “I like them both. Can I get your opinion?”

[purpleintheface]

Kilgrave returns wearing a fitted black tuxedo with a vibrant purple fractal embroidered vest and ascot. He admires the dress for a few moments, pondering. With the white dress, she was a walking symbol of purity. But the purple... well, he had a fondness for purple.

"I think this one," he said, gesturing at the purple dress. "It suits us."

"Did you decide what you're wearing underneath? No, never mind. Surprise me. Get dressed and I'll have us sorted out."

[aemula]

So he plans on taking a peek underneath her dress. Interesting. Marlo will have to see how the evening goes, but if he plays his cards right she could easily see it happening. She nods and smiles at him, closing the door as he leaves the booth so she can slip out of the white dress and get herself dressed up.

She reaches into her purse to pull out a tiny brush and go through her tresses a bit as trying on clothes has left her looking a bit messy and once she’s satisfied with her looks Marlo gathers her things and leaves the dressing room, looking for Kilgrave out front. Once she spots him, she walks up to him and slips her arm into his elbow without asking. It just seems natural. “Everything ready?”