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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 « « «
extensively: (neutral 8)

[personal profile] extensively 2021-03-19 05:01 am (UTC)(link)
Sebastian nods. Yes, the communicator is indeed fascinating, even to an experienced demon, and it's one of the few times that he will agree entirely with Mey-Rin. Quite astounding to realize that there are still things in this world that can genuine surprise, perhaps even shock and awe. He must wonder if the London they came from will also invent such marvels in due time - will the young Master live to see such inventions?

Perhaps the next Master to follow in his bloodied footsteps?

"You would need to be vouched for by a Dominant," Sebastian says, watching the gears clicking away in Mey-Rin's mind. Yes, it was rather inconvenient. Not any professional reference was good enough in Duplicity. No, you needed a Dominant, and it didn't matter if the Dominant was an idiot - all that mattered was that caste designation. "As your rash, I do have funds to cover some soothing medication."

He stops in front of a shop, dingy but at least the roof doesn't seem to be leaking too much. The demon holds the door open, a hand out as if he's ushering Mey-Rin in before she realizes that this will be tacked onto her running debt.

"At least try patting it instead of rubbing or scratching," the butler adds. "Rubbing it still aggravates the irritated skin."
longsight: (bom2_17)

[personal profile] longsight 2021-03-19 03:02 pm (UTC)(link)
She follows his direction to head inside, relieved to be able to step out from under the umbrella into at least a relatively dry place. The occasional bucket of water catching the toxic water scattered throughout the little shop bringing back quite a few memories from her youth. As much as she's confident she could survive in the down, she already was missing the warmth and security of the Phantomhive estate.

Once inside she tries to pat at the itching again per his direction, fingers twitching from the growing intense desire to dig her nails in instead.

"I'm sorry... it just really, really itches." Her voice clearly displays her discomfort. "I appreciate ye taking care of me, Sebastian... I'll find a way to get a job and pay you back right away!" Being tacked onto her tab at home would be far too much. She already accepted that the stingy demon had every plate and cup memorized, even now. Possibly even ones that hadn't even been dropped by her yet.
extensively: (side 2)

[personal profile] extensively 2021-03-20 09:20 am (UTC)(link)
"See that you do. But focus on your duties and get properly settled."

The only reason he cared about the tab is because it would be inappropriate not to, as a butler of the Phantomhive estates. Money is a meaningless concept to a demon. He abides by it because he has lowered himself into a position where it, suddenly, is a necessary inconvenience, a challenge. Where a human like Mey-Rin might find it necessary, a fact of life, Sebastian finds it a...strange little novelty, like a tourist coming back to his old stomping grounds to realize they still use the quaintly backward customs as they did all those years before. The only reason Mey-Rin must suffer a tab is because of appearances and custom. Not because he couldn't easily replace any silverware or furniture she has damaged or will damage.

Sebastian leads her down the row of shelves, after a point picking out a small jar of soothing lotion. A stop at the counter with the shop-keeper and then he'll lead Mey-Rin back to the landing, out of the way of the most egregious leaks in the roof.

"Here. Apply that to your arm," Sebastian says. "Generously, but do try to save some for later."
longsight: (43)

[personal profile] longsight 2021-03-21 04:09 am (UTC)(link)
In her eyes it was all his nature, rather than what was 'expected' of him. It was the same down to the clothes she was wearing... the cuffs of her uniform already slightly tinged by the toxic rain that seemed desperate to chip it away. Her hands accept the lotion when it's offered and she barely is able to wait until they're outside to twist the cap off. Before... likely predictably, she fumbles and nearly drops it.

Just barely managing to catch the jar before it hits the ground. The cap, however, rolls itself a little distance away as she lets out a small, strangled sound of distress.

"I got it!" She reaches out carefully, tapping slightly at the wrong spots of the ground thanks to the blur of her vision. Fingers only getting more wet thanks to the small puddles of rain.

Edited 2021-03-21 04:10 (UTC)
extensively: (misc 1)

[personal profile] extensively 2021-03-21 11:18 am (UTC)(link)
For a moment he just watches, still finding it in himself to be astonished at how utterly hopeless humans can be.

"You don't seem to have it, Mey-Rin."

All she seems to be doing is slapping her hand around in the muddy puddles. One of these days he truly must get proper lens for her; yet another thing to add to his always growing To Do List. After watching Mey-Rin continually fail to find the lotion cap two feet away from her, Sebastian takes matters into his own hands. The demon sweeps down from the store's small landing and, in one smooth motion, he plucks the cap up, cleans it in a motion that would be too fast for mortal eyes, and then clears his throat.

"Mey-Rin. Hold out your hands."

He'll gently place the runaway lotion cap in the palm of her hands once he's certain she won't fumble it right back onto the ground.
longsight: (71)

[personal profile] longsight 2021-03-21 09:24 pm (UTC)(link)
To not even be able to handle something so simple as this... It makes her heart sink as she accepts the cap and grips it tightly before carefully closing the jar with it. Rather than applying any now, she decides it might be better to wait until she can't accidentally chunk it down the street or trip and fall face first into a puddle of rash-inducing water.

The thought of it ruining the top of her maid's uniform really only made that thought even more terrifying. Jar carefully tucked into the pocket of her plastic coat and she stands. Soaked hands wiping themselves off on the plastic despite the burning feeling already raking through her palm.

"Thank you... I appreciate all your help, Sebastian. I'll make sure to keep it safe and use it later. I'd hate to drop it and waste your generosity..."